Read articles from Africa

August 20, 2025 by sundayworld.co.za

ActionSA MP Dr. Letlape defended vaping against Health Department claims, stating it's less harmful than smoking. He criticized false radio ads equating vaping to smoking and accused the department of spreading propaganda. Letlape lodged a complaint and called for the ads' withdrawal, arguing they mislead the public and undermine Parliament's authority. Letlape urged Health Minister Motsoaledi to clarify the misinformation and emphasized vaping's potential for smoking cessation. While e-cigarettes are deemed less harmful by Cancer Research UK, they are not risk-free and should only be used for smoking cessation. The Health Department's misleading ads are criticized for interfering with legislative processes.

August 19, 2025 by youtube.com

In this special reaction episode, we break down a powerful moment from The Pack Breakers podcast when a South African MP boldly questioned the influence of foreign-funded NGOs and international institutions like the WHO in shaping South Africa’s tobacco control legislation.

August 15, 2025 by prnewswire.com

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauds Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's announcement that the country will raise taxes on tobacco products to save lives and stimulate the economy. Increasing taxes on tobacco products is a smart move, a huge win for public health and a popular policy initiative.

July 28, 2025 by businessinsider.com

Fossil fuel-powered engines in cars, factories, and homes are major contributors to air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from these sources poses health risks and leads to millions of premature deaths globally. Indoor and outdoor air pollution is a serious issue affecting ecosystems, health, and climate. HouseFresh's report emphasizes the harmful impact of toxic pollutants in the air and compares air pollution exposure to smoking. Despite natural factors like dust storms and wildfires, human activities significantly worsen air quality. It's crucial to address these concerns to safeguard human health and the environment.

July 01, 2025 by mg.co.za

Lekan Ayo-Yusuf discussed the 2025 WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic and the Tobacco Bill, emphasizing the industry's shift towards electronic devices like vapes and heated tobacco products. The report reveals how tobacco companies manipulate regulations, funding biased research, and promoting new products as harm-reduction tools. Ayo-Yusuf highlighted the ineffectiveness of these products in reducing harm and the industry's violation of tobacco laws. The Tobacco Bill aims to control the marketing and use of these products, especially among youth. Despite the rising popularity of vapes and heated tobacco in South Africa, Ayo-Yusuf expressed concerns about the increasing number of smokers and emphasized the need for stricter regulations.

June 12, 2025 by africannewsagency.com

The vaping industry in South Africa calls for smarter nicotine policies amidst rising tobacco smoking rates. Parliament is reviewing the Tobacco Bill to regulate product processing, advertising, and appearance. Vaping advocates stress the need for evidence-based nicotine policies, cessation support, and harm reduction tools like e-cigarettes. With smoking prevalence increasing, there's a call for a shift towards safer alternatives and better enforcement. The Advertising Regulatory Board supports regulating vapor products, highlighting health benefits for smokers who switch. It emphasizes clear communication of benefits while discouraging non-smokers from vaping. Collaboration with the industry led to guidelines including restrictions on marketing to minors and health claims.

June 09, 2025 by guardian.ng

Dr. Rita Opene, a health expert in Delta State, Nigeria, raises alarm on the increasing tobacco-related deaths, stressing global preventable death concerns. Opene, also a coordinator for the Nigerian Cancer Society, highlights World Health Organization data revealing over seven million annual tobacco-related deaths worldwide. She addresses statistics from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, showing 4.7 million Nigerian adults using tobacco, with a rising trend in newer tobacco products. Opene warns about the health risks, including lung cancer and heart disease, associated with tobacco use, emphasizing the need for urgent action and awareness to combat the epidemic.

June 02, 2025 by smilefm.co.za

WHO praised South Africa for enhancing anti-tobacco laws on World No-Tobacco Day. The country aims to ban tobacco and vaping advertising, regulate e-cigarettes, and combat manipulative marketing targeting youth. The Tobacco Products Control Bill addresses health risks from tobacco and e-cigarettes by banning advertising, regulating e-cigarettes, and protecting youth from predatory marketing. The bill seeks to reduce smoking and vaping among young people and challenge Big Tobacco's strategies. Its focus is on public health and ending nicotine addiction in South Africa by closing regulatory gaps and protecting the youth.

June 02, 2025 by smilefm.co.za

WHO praised South Africa for enhancing anti-tobacco laws on World No-Tobacco Day. The country aims to ban tobacco and vaping advertising, regulate e-cigarettes, and combat manipulative marketing targeting youth. The Tobacco Products Control Bill addresses health risks from tobacco and e-cigarettes by banning advertising, regulating e-cigarettes, and protecting youth from predatory marketing. The bill seeks to reduce smoking and vaping among young people and challenge Big Tobacco's strategies. Its focus is on public health and ending nicotine addiction in South Africa by closing regulatory gaps and protecting the youth.

May 13, 2025 by cameroonnewsagency.com

Cameroon faces a public health crisis with 8.9% smoking prevalence leading to significant deaths and healthcare costs. Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, offers a safer alternative. However, lack of awareness and regulation hinders progress. Local research and educational campaigns are needed to promote THR and develop effective policies. Integrating THR into national tobacco control is crucial for long-term health outcomes. With the new Tobacco Control Law in place, Cameroon has the opportunity to lead in tobacco control through evidence-based, innovative strategies. Action is imperative to reduce smoking-related harm and improve public health.