By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
An important step towards public health improvement in Sierra Leone was taken as the Health For All Coalition (HFAC), in collaboration with the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health under the Ministry of Health, organized a landmark event to popularize the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act 2022.
The event, held on Monday 16th December, 2024 at the Civil Service Training Centre, State House Compound, brought together key stakeholders, including WHO, UNICEF, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, NRA, Sierra Leone Market Women Association, ONS, Araya Base Union and the media.
The Executive Director of Health For All Coalition, Charles Mambu, formally presented the coalition’s press release, highlighting the Act’s importance in addressing the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use. The Act, enacted to improve public health, regulates the production, manufacturing, importation, packaging, advertising, sale and use of tobacco and nicotine products. It also prohibits smoking in specific public and outdoor spaces and calls for the establishment of a Tobacco and Nicotine Control Council to enforce its provisions.
He emphasized the urgent need for the Government to establish the Council, as mandated by the Act, to oversee implementation and ensure compliance. Charles Mambu praised the Government and President Julius Maada Bio for taking decisive action to save lives through the legislation. However, he stressed that the Act’s benefits depend on its enforcement, calling on the Ministry of Health to expedite the process.
“We commend the Government for this significant step, but the time to establish the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Council is now,” Charles Mambu declared. He further noted HFAC’s nationwide engagement efforts across districts, including Kenema, Bo, Port Loko, Kambia, Tonkolili and the Western Area.
The Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act 2022 explicitly bans smoking and the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems in various public spaces, including: offices, workplaces, hospitals, educational facilities, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, markets public transport vehicles, buses, aircraft, and boats as well as outdoor areas within 10 meters of windows, doors or food service locations. These provisions aim to protect individuals from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke and aerosols, fostering healthier environments for all.
During the event, Musa Kamara, Research Officer at the Office of National Security (ONS), outlined a multi-sectoral strategy to advance tobacco control. He proposed initiatives such as: Developing a mobile app for citizens to report tobacco violations, establishing community-based monitoring systems, advocating for Government funding to support enforcement, including hiring inspectors, promoting tobacco-free zones, especially in hospitals and public spaces, supporting alternative livelihoods for individuals dependent on the tobacco industry.
Similarly, Dr. IB Kai-Samba, representing the Ministry of Defence, underscored the severe health risks associated with smoking, including lung disease, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. He noted the military’s growing awareness of the need for healthier lifestyles to protect the nation, stressing that smokers must not infringe on others’ rights.
“Smoking may seem harmless to individuals, but its consequences extend to their health, the environment and even national security,” Dr. Kai-Samba opined.
Madam Marie Bombay, a representative of the Sierra Leone Market Women Association, brought a community perspective, expressing concern over continued cigarette sales and usage, particularly among the youth. “Despite warnings, smoking persists, especially in our marketplaces. We urge authorities to bring this message to the grassroots and encourage women to avoid this dangerous habit,” she stated.
The Health For All Coalition, with support from the Africa Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA), reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for full implementation of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act 2022. The Coalition vowed to continue its nationwide engagements, monitoring enforcement and supporting the Government to ensure the Act’s objectives are achieved.
