Smoking in Malawi
In Malawi, recent data from 2022 indicate that the prevalence of tobacco smoking among adults aged 15 and older was 6.3%. This figure represents a decrease from the 7.2% prevalence reported in 2020 and a further decline from the 11% recorded in 2019. The prevalence of smoking among males was notably higher at 12.2%, a slight decrease from 13.1% in 2020 and 18.2% in 2019. In contrast, the smoking prevalence among females was significantly lower at 0.9% in 2022, down from 1.6% in 2020 and 3.7% in 2019. The total number of smokers in Malawi was estimated to be approximately 705,688 individuals in 2022, which also shows a decline from previous years, with 751,519 smokers in 2020 and over a million in 2019. The adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence in 2017 was 11%, with a prevalence of 19.2% among males and 3% among females. Smoking-related mortality remains a significant health concern, with 5,419 deaths recorded in 2021. This accounts for 3.13% of all deaths in the country. These data underscore the ongoing public health challenges posed by smoking in Malawi, despite the noted reductions in smoking prevalence in recent years.
Read articles from Malawi
January 22, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN News #131 | TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION IN MALAWI Pt.2 | Featuring Sahan Lungu
In the second part of our series looking at Malawi's complicated relationship with tobacco production and smoking, Sahan Lungu joins us to explore whether a holistic approach to tobacco production and smoking could help Malawi minimise the harms related to combustible tobacco use.
January 15, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN News #129 | MALAWI'S TOBACCO CONTROL DILEMMA Pt.1 | Featuring Sahan Lungu
Despite tobacco control efforts to phase out tobacco consumption around the world, a thorny issue remains - that there are many countries whose economy is fundamentally dependent on tobacco production. Amongst one of the largest producers of tobacco globally is Malawi, where tobacco makes up 60% of its exports. Sahan Lungu joins us to explore Malawi's complex relationship with tobacco in the first episode of our two part Malawi Special.
September 26, 2024 by nyasatimes.com
Grassroots Movements: How Local Organizations are Leading the Fight Against Tobacco Harm
Millions of lives are lost annually due to tobacco, with Malawi recording 5,400 tobacco-related deaths in 2021. Efforts by local organizations, like Tobacco Harm Reduction Malawi, are crucial to combat this issue. Sahan Lungu leads the charge by promoting safer alternatives and educating communities. Community involvement is essential for tailored messaging and sustainable change. Alexander Thomas Mboma focuses on training healthcare providers while World Vision Malawi supports tobacco-growing communities by offering education and alleviating poverty. By engaging communities in harm reduction initiatives, the goal is to make efforts more inclusive, effective, and sustainable for better health outcomes.
November 16, 2023 by who.int
Malawi ‘s ratification of WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control comes into effect
With this historic decision, Malawi joins a community of 182 other Parties to the Convention, affirming the country’s high-level political commitment to combatting the global tobacco epidemic and prioritizing public health and well-being. The Convention, which Malawi ratified in August 2023, is a crucial international treaty designed to address the severe public health risks associated with tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. Its ratification by Malawi demonstrates the country’s determination to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.
August 07, 2023 by reuters.com
Malawi's tobacco sales up 55% in latest season: regulator
Malawi's sales of tobacco, its biggest foreign exchange earner, increased to roughly $282 million in the latest season, up from $182 million a year earlier, its industry regulator said. Dwindling tobacco revenues in recent years have contributed to acute dollar shortages that have resulted in a lack of imported fuel, fertiliser and medicines in the donor-dependent southern African country. Malawi has turned to the International Monetary Fund for financial support and launched debt restructuring talks with creditors.
July 01, 2022 by substack.com
Tobacco harm reduction is here for good
Malawi: Most people have probably internalised HIV and AIDS messaging that promotes total abstinence, being faithful to one partner, or using a condom-'Condomise' (A-B-C).
A record of massive condom sales suggests that, in contrast to being faithful to one partner and abstaining, most people may have chosen the 'Condomise' option.
A similar approach to 'enjoying' sex without contracting a Sexually Transmitted Infection has been researched and proven that people who are addicted to smoking (Nicotine) can still enjoy the pleasure of smoking without being harmed by the tobacco.
May 12, 2021 by reuters.com
As tobacco declines, Malawi must switch to cannabis - president
Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera warned on Wednesday that his country's leading foreign exchange earner, tobacco, was in terminal decline and he urged a switch to high-growth crops like cannabis, which was legalised locally for some uses last year.
Chakwera made the comments during a state of the nation address in which he said tobacco was expected to earn less than $200 million in 2021, a figure roughly similar to the past two years but well below previous annual earnings that used to top $350 million.