Africa: FCTC's 20 Years of Stagnation - Smoking Rates in LMICs Barely Shifted in Two Decades
November 07, 2025 by allafrica.com
Africa: FCTC's 20 Years of Stagnation - Smoking Rates in LMICs Barely Shifted in Two Decades
The World Health Organization reports tobacco kills over 7 million people annually. Experts suggest reevaluating the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, as smoking rates and related deaths persist globally. Despite efforts like taxation and cessation programs, little progress is evident. Criticisms include a lack of transparency on smoking prevalence rates and failure to focus on Harm Reduction strategies. Concerns persist over high smoking rates in regions like Indonesia and China. The WHO is accused of hindering Tobacco Harm Reduction progress. Experts call for more effective approaches, especially for long-term heavy smokers. Discussions at the Global Forum on Nicotine highlight challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries under the WHO FCTC.
