The blog of Jackie Tumwine

Guinea Bissau ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

On 7th November 2008 Guinea Bissau became the 161st Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Guinea Bissau's ratification of the FCTC brings the total number of Parties from the WHO Afro region to 37 (out of 46).

Third FCTC Conference of the Parties in Durban, South Africa

The third session of the Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) will be held in Durban, South Africa, beginning this Monday the 17th until 22nd November 2008. The meeting will attract government delegates from 160 nations that have ratified the FCTC, as well as many NGO delegates. Several issues concening the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control will be up for discussion.

Hot on the agenda will be:

Africa Tobacco Control Regional Initiative is launched

The Africa Tobacco Control Regional Initiative (ATCRI) was launched last week with the aim of promoting effective tobacco control policies in Africa through advocacy, research, surveillance, and training, to prevent and reverse tobacco consumption trends in Africa.

This tobacco control initiative is jointly supported by the American Cancer Society and Cancer Research UK and will be hosted in Nigeria by the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria. The Director of ATCRI is Dr. Lanre Onigbogi.

According to the CEO of American Cancer Society, John Seffrin, the Africa Tobacco Control Regional Initiative represents the "first coordinated, multinational effort in Africa to specifically address tobacco control. It's a crucial step forward to contain a growing health crisis in Africa and one that promises to have a positive health impact in various countries throughout the continent."

Uganda to implement stronger tobacco health warnings

Uganda is to implement within six months, a new warning label on tobacco products, according to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. The new label will read in English and Swahili:

"Cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, heart diseases and death."

It replaces the current health warning: "Cigarette smoking can be harmful to your health."

Although the new warning label is stronger than the current one, it does pose serious limitations- the text is still in English and Swahili- Swahili is not widely spoken in Uganda and many illiterate smokers cannot read English.

Uganda having ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in June 2007, is obligated implement by 2010, tobacco health warning labels that are rotating, large, clear, visible and should cover 50% or more of the principal display areas but shall be no less than 30% of the principal display areas. The FCTC also recommends graphic or pictorial health warnings and these are already being implemented in several countries including Egypt, Brazil, Thailand, Canada and India.

Capetown to fine motorists for throwing out cigarette butts

In a bid to clamp down on fires in the upcoming fire season months, the city of Capetown (South Africa) has warned motorists that they will be slapped a fine of R1000 for throwing burning cigarette butts or matches out of vehilce windows.

Namibia's Tobacco Products Control Bill to be tabled soon

The Namibian Cabinet has given the Ministry of Health the go ahead to table the long-awaited Tobacco Products Control Bill in the National Assembly soon, reports the Namibian Newspaper.

Nigeria's $44bn tobacco case postponed to January 2008

Nigeria's $44 billion tobacco case against the tobacco companies, Philip Morris, British American Tobacco (BAT) and International Tobacco Ltd has yet again been adjourned, this time round, to January 2009. The reasons are the same as last time- to allow service of court papers to Swiss based Philip Morris International.
Just to recap - the Nigerian government is seeking $44bn in compensation for the costs of treating smoking-related diseases and is accusing the tobacco companies of deliberately promoting smoking among Nigerian youth.

Kenya's tobacco control act "overrules" smokefree local council by-laws

The Kenyan central government has "overruled" the local council by- laws banning smoking in public places, insisting that the Tobacc Control Act under the Minsitry of Health supercedes the Mombasa, Nakuru and Nairobi smokefree by-laws which came into force a year before the Tobacco Control Act.

Ghana's Health Ministry promises ban on public smoking

During a workshop organised by the Coalition of Non-governmental Organisations for Tobacco Control (CNTC), representatives from the Ministry of Health of Ghana announced that smoking will be banned in public places by the end of November 2008. The Ministry said that despite likely implementation challenges, a ban on public smoking was necessary for public health reasons and emphasised that Ghana had ratified the Framework convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Nations begin round 2 negotiations for protocol on illicit trade in tobacco products

The second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products begins today, 20th October, in Geneva, Switzerland.

BAT marketing dunhill cigarettes via text messages in South Africa

British American Tobacco South Africa has, in defiance of the country’s tobacco control law, resorted to marketing of cigarettes by phone text messages and MMS.

Kenyan doctors warn against electronic cigarettes

Kenyan doctors have cautioned against the use of electric cigarettes that are making rounds in the market.

Ghana editorial- Ban on smoking in public is long overdue

An editorial published in Ghana's Public Agenda calls for the passing of tobacco control Bill, inter alia, bans smoking in public places.

E-cigarette launched in South Africa, public cautioned by Health Department

SOUTH AFRICA- Health authorities have slammed a new electronic cigarette that is claiming to make health concerns over smoking vanish in a puff.

The rechargeable electronic cigarette, called Twisp, is loaded with nicotine cartridges and produces water vapour instead of smoke. With each puff, the end of the “e-cigarette” lights up, mimicking a real cigarette.

Uganda- Man killed in brawl for smoking in local pub

The police in Tororo are holding a man suspected to have killed another by twisting his neck for smoking a cigarette in a pub.

Ghana: Government Urged to Ban Tobacco Adverts

Vision for Alternative Development (VALD), an NGO, has called on the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drugs Board to, in line with the constitution of Ghana, design and implement a comprehensive policy to ensure a total “ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship” in the country.

BAT Nigeria sinks boreholes for community

In their latest CSR ploy, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation claim to care for the eradication of water-borne diseases while at the same time market their deadly products to the Nigerian people.

Zimbabwe- BAT Registers Huge Declines

ZIMBABWE- The worsening economic crisis has affected domestic volumes at the country’s leading cigarette producer British American Tobacco (BAT), which reported last week it had suffered a 24 percent decline in volumes.

Kenya: No Hideout for Smokers

The East African newspaper published an article by Dagi Kimani on the smokefree situation in Kenya.

WHO honors African tobacco control advocates

During the 58th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Cameroon, September 1-5 2008, the World Health Organisation honoured six Africans for their ‘continuing and active commitment to the fight against tobacco use in their respective countries’.

The recipients of the 2008 WHO No- Tobacco Awards were:

South Africa:Report challenges tobacco industry’s advertising claims

CAPE TOWN — Forcing tobacco companies to scale back on advertising leads to a significant decline in smoking, new research shows. The finding is important as it challenges the tobacco industry’s assertion that advertising serves to make consumers aware of different brands and does not directly encourage them to smoke.

Uganda: Police, NEMA Rift On Smoking Ban

Confusion as to who should enforce the law that bans smoking in public places in Uganda is making the regulations inactive, three years after it came into force, reports Kakaire Kirunda of Uganda's Monitor Newspaper.

For a Smokefree Beijing 2008 Olympics

The Global Smokefree Partnership (GSP) launched the 2008 Smokefree Olympics Campaign - a campaign to strengthen global awareness, support for and adherence to a strong and sustainable Smokefree Beijing Olympics policy. The campaign goal is to collect global support for the smokefree Olympics and to disseminate information to the media and the general public about the smokefree Olympics.

Kenyan tobacco firms challenge new smoking laws

Hardly a month after the Kenya parliament passed a law seeking to seriously curtail use of tobacco in the country, tobacco firms have gone to court and effectively frustrated enactment of the new rules. These firms have argued that the law had 'criminalised smoking', making it hard for them to operate.
The firms wanted the enactment of the laws put on hold, saying that the provisions of the rules were unrealistic and denied them their constitutional right to make a living.

Source: Maina Waruru, Africanews reporter

Governmnent of Cameroon and WHO warn agaisnt tobacco use

The Post (Cameroon) recently published an article about the Cameroonian government and WHO warning about the hazards of tobacco use.

Cigarette smuggling ring involving Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa cracked

A chance discovery of hundreds of boxes of cigarettes, hidden behind bags of charcoal, has tipped off Namibian Police and customs officers and their South African counterparts to a massive international smuggling syndicate that appears to stretch from Zimbabwe via Namibia to South Africa.

Tobacco control law comes into effect in Niger

The tobacco control law of Niger, initally passed by the Parliament of Niger,in May 2006 has finally come into effect after the Council of Ministers, chaired by the President of the Republic of Niger, adopted an application decree for this law, on Thursday 17 July 2008.

Notably, Niger's newly adopted legislation bans smoking in public places and allows tobacco control organisations to go to court and initiate proceedings against violators of the law.

Below is the press release by SOS Tabagisme Niger, a leading tobacco control organisation in Niger, headed by Mr. Inoussa Saouna.

Stop the exploitation of tobacco workers in Malawi

Thank you for signing the online petition to stop the exploitation of tobacco workers in Malawi.

For more information, check out the UnfairTobacco website. You can also watch the new documentary film, "Thangata" by Marty Otanez, exposing the tobacco inustry's exlpoitation of tobacco workers in Malawi.

Thangata –documentary shows exploitation of tobacco workers in Malawi

A new documentary film entitled, “Thangata” by Marty and Michelle Otanez exposes the tobacco industry’s exploitation of tobacco workers in Malawi. You can watch online the 15 minute documentary on the blog of Marty Otanez and on the UnfairTobacco website.

Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates pledge US$500 million for global tobacco control

Micheal Bloomberg and Bill Gates' generous pledge of $500 million dollars towards global tobacco control is both commendable and timely. According to the billionnaire philanthropists, the commitment will help governments in developing countries implement proven policies and increase funding for tobacco control. In addition, part of the funds will be earmarked to "help prevent the tobacco epidemic from taking root in Africa".

Below is the full statement announcing this historic commitment to international tobacco control.

Uganda tobacco farmers win suit against BAT

BRITISH American Tobacco Uganda (BATU) has been ordered to pay over sh3b to tobacco farmers as compensation for failure to buy their crop.

African tobacco control coalition- IMPACT celebrates 4 years

Happy 4th Anniversary to IMPACT (Initiative de Mobilisation PAnafricaine de Controle de Tabac ) formerly known as CPEACT (Coalition Panafricaine d’Études et d’Actions de Controle de Tabac) celebrates its 4th Anniversary in the fight against tobacco in Africa.

Isabel Somsert interviews the President of IMPACT, Ms.Susie De Larosière-Mbouangouore Limbepe over at www.afrique-en-sante.blogspot.com

BBC exposes British American Tobacco's violation of youth code in Africa

A recent investigative BBC documentary by Duncan Bannatyne exposes how British American Tobacco through its activities in Nigeria, Malawi and Mauritius is breaking is voluntary marketing code and encouraging African children to smoke. The documentary, "Bannatyne Takes On Big Tobacco", was aired on 1st July on BBC. It was later renamed, "Exposed : Africa's Child Smokers" and aired on the BBC World on 19th and 20th July can be viewed here.

Niger threatens illegal smokers

Niamey - Smokers in the desert state of Niger who break newly enforced anti-smoking laws by lighting up in public or at work, face punishments of up to three months in prison, the government said on Friday.

BAT gets reprieve over cigarette pack warnings

Leading tobacco manufacturer, British American Tobacco, has received a six-month reprieve from a requirement to display large health warnings on its cigarette packages even before the new regulations on the industry takes effect.

Public Health and Sanitation minister Beth Mugo says the delay is due to failure by her ministry to provide the company with the Kiswahili translation of the health warning which it is supposed to print on cigarette packets.

Kenya public smoking ban comes into effect

NAIROBI (AFP) 8 July— A law banning smoking in public places and regulating tobacco products in Kenya came into effect on Tuesday, spelling the end of a convoluted legal tussle between the government and tobacco firms.

Ghana: Experts discuss measures for tobacco control in Africa

Accra, June 26, GNA- The African Regional Meeting on Tobacco Control Building for Africa, is underway in Accra to brainstorm on strategies to curb the about 5.4 million global annual deaths related to tobacco.

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania budgets raise cigarette taxes

On 13th June 2008, the Finance Ministers of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania simultaneously read their 2008/ 2009 budget speeches to their respective nations. There was one striking similarity in the three budgets- each of the three East African countries proposed to increase excise duties on cigarettes.

Uganda’s new cigarette tax increase a good move

On 12 June, Uganda’s Finance Minister Ezra Suruma announced in the FY 2008/ 2009 budget speech, an increase in excise duty on cigarettes. The measure will bring in an additional sh2.1b in government revenue.

Ghana: Keeping the Tap On Tobacco Smoking

[Editorial] On Saturday, May 31, Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark World Tobacco Day.
The theme for this year's ceremony was "Tobacco-Free Youth" and was a global call for all countries to put systems in place to protect the fragile and delicate youth from the glamorous and deceptive advertisements of the tobacco companies.

Ghana to pass tobacco law to protect the youth from its harmful effects

Ghana's Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Gladys Ashitey has announced that her ministry is collaborating with other stakeholders to get the tobacco bill passed into law.

Botswana Minister warns youth against smoking

Botswana's Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Ms Gladys Kokorwe, during the country's World No Tobacco Day celebrations, warned youth against smoking and informed them of the tobacco industry's marketing strategies to lure young people into taking up the deadly habit. See story below.

Sierra Leone: 'Ban All Tobacco Advertising Now'

World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to protect the world's 1.8 billion young people by imposing a ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. On Saturday the world health agency joined local partners among them Youths Against Tobacco Smoking in Sierra Leone to process in observance of the World No Tobacco Day May 31.

Zambia editorial on the new smokefree law

The Times of Zambia published an interesting editorial on Zambia's recent ban on public smoking.

Zambia bans smoking in public places

Zambia has introduced new smokefree regulations that prohibit smoking in public places, with immediate effect. According to the new law, offenders face a maximum fine of K400,000 ($127) and/ or a maximum two year jail term.

Egypt intoduces graphic cigarette warnings

With effect from the 1st of August, cigarette packs in Egypt will feature graphic health warnings, informing smokers of the devastating health effects of smoking. Images will include: a dying man in an oxygen mask, a coughing child, a fetus with a warning of the harm to pregnancy, or a limp cigarette, symbolizing impotence.

Egyptian smokers fume as cigarette tax introduced

Egypt has raised its cigarette taxes by 10 per cent for the local brands and 33 per cent for the imported luxury brands. According to the article below, smokers are fuming.

Uganda-Tobacco control activists demonstrate against cigarette advertising

Tobacco control activists in Uganda, on 30th May, demonstrated against cigarette advertising and the government's reluctance to enforce laws against public smoking.

Uganda: Tobacco Firms Should Be Socially Responsible

Tobacco companies in Uganda should be socially responsible, writes Denis Oguzu in his opinion article published in the New Vision newspaper.

Zambia becomes a party to the framework convention on tobacco control

On 23 May 2008, through the process of accession, Zambia became the latest African party to the WHO Framework Convention (FCTC) .There are currently a total of 157 parties to the WHO FCTC, with 36 of the 46 countries in the WHO AFRO region having either ratified or acceded to this first ever global public health treaty.

Mauritius urges youth not to smoke

Mauritian Health and Quality of Life Minister Sat ish Faugoo has appealed to students and the youth to reduce tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke, help people to stop smoking and optimize their resources for the promotion of health and a tobacco-free world.