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The tobacco industry interference in undermining and delaying government efforts to protect public health has reportedly worsened globally.
Zambia reflects this trend, ranking poorly among 90 countries in the latest Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index.
The 2023 Index documents the status of government efforts to protect public health policies from commercial and other vested interests under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 5.3.
The 2023 Zambia Tobacco Industry Interference Index report by the Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA) showed Zambia’s score had worsened, placing it at 79 out of 90 countries surveyed.
According to the survey released in Lusaka on Saturday, the rank was worse than the previous report in 2021.
Zambia, with its high score of succumbing to tobacco industry interference, lags far behind other African countries, placing near the bottom of 18 African countries surveyed.
The cost-benefit analysis of the tobacco business showed a net loss to the country’s economy.
More people reportedly suffered and die from tobacco use compared to any economic benefit it brings.
Commenting on the index findings, Brendah Chitindi, TOFAZA Executive Director, said: “Ultimately, it is the people and the government who bear the true cost and harm of the tobacco business while the tobacco companies reap big profits.”
“We recommend the Government of Zambia to enact the Tobacco Control Bill of 2018 to align with the guidelines and recommendations of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control,” Chitindi said.
She also proposed that the government reject all tobacco industry Corporate Social Responsibility activities in communities and public institutions.
“Create awareness among all government ministries and agencies about the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3,” Chitindi stated.
She called for establishing a code of conduct for all public officials to guide them when dealing with the tobacco industry.
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