African leaders convene to combat tobacco’s alarming rise among youth, emphasizing sustainable development, healthcare, environmental protection, and responsible industry practices.
Speaking at the 2nd Africa Conference on Tobacco Control and Development at Labadi beach hotel, Mr. Mamadou Biteye, Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation, emphasized that Africa’s youthful population are its greatest asset for future development.
He indicating that, about 70% of youth in sub-Saharan Africa are under 30 years old, thus empowering this demographic is crucial for economic growth, innovation, peace, and security.
To achieve sustainable development, a healthy workforce is essential. Africa’s youthful population presents immense opportunities, but tobacco use poses significant threats. By 2050, Africa will boast of the world’s largest workforce, making it imperative to curb tobacco use and alleviate associated healthcare costs, productivity losses, and GDP burdens.
To Tim, Africa’s tobacco epidemic poses dual threats, health risks and environmental degradation. Deforestation and climate change necessitate urgent action. Despite legislative progress, tobacco use persists, fueled by appealing new products targeting youth. This conference rallies stakeholders to collaborate, adapt strategies, and combat emerging tobacco forms.
Dr. Darius Osei, Technical Health Advisor for the minister of health stresses that, tobacco control is crucial, citing the alarming statistics of 8.7 million annual deaths from tobacco-related diseases and 1.3 million deaths due to secondhand smoke exposure.
The devastating impact of tobacco extends beyond health, affecting economies, families, and the environment.
In Africa, he said the situation is particularly concerning, with the continent facing a rising tide of tobacco use, especially among youth. Aggressive marketing tactics by multinational tobacco companies and peer influence are significant contributors to this trend.
According to him, the conference emphasizes the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat the tobacco epidemic in Africa. And also aims to rally stakeholders to address the scale of the threat posed to young people and the continent’s future.
