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The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has said that the benefits of the Tobacco and Nicotine Bill 2025 for public health and consumer protection outweighed any potential impact on the manufacturing industry.
ZACA Executive Secretary, Juba Sakala, said the proposed legislation was aimed at regulating tobacco and nicotine products, curbing harmful practices, and protecting the health of Zambians, which they believed was of paramount importance.
Sakala warned of the serious health risks associated with tobacco use and nicotine addiction, stating that the proposed legislation was meant to protect consumers by mandating stricter regulations for the tobacco and nicotine industry in Zambia.
Read more: Manufacturers association calls for stakeholder engagement in tobacco control bill review
He was speaking when he featured on a local radio station, Kanele FM, in Lundazi on Sunday.
He stressed that the bill if enacted, would help to combat the significant health burden caused by non-communicable diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, while promoting transparency and informed decision-making among consumers about the risks of tobacco products.
“The proposed legislation aligns with global best practices, including the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), and will ultimately lead to significant health benefits for the Zambian population.
“We urge government to remain steadfast in its commitment to enact and enforce the bill. Consumer protection and public health should take precedence over commercial interests,” Sakala said.
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