Kenya will join the world in commemorating World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on 31st May 2024 in a bid to sensitize people on the health risks associated with Tobacco use.
“This year’s theme, ‘protecting children from Tobacco industry interference’ aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) ‘stop the lies’ campaign, a vital initiative to shield young people from manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry.” Said the PS adding that Kenya has made significant strides in tobacco control with implementations of stringent regulations and policies aimed at reducing tobacco use.
According to Ministry of Health (MoH), there has been a significant decline in tobacco use in the country from 12percent in 2014 down to 9percent as of 2022; however manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry have brought about new challenges in tackling the tobacco menace among young people with a noticeable increase of the Novel Nicotine and Emerging Tobacco Products (NNETPs) such as nicotine pouches, vapes and electronic cigarettes.
Such products, the MoH says, are often marked as less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes which are targeted towards young people with appealing flavors hence misleading health claims.
“Out main objectives for this years World No Tobacco Day will include highlighting public health risks associated with tobacco use, exposing industry tactics as well as reinforcing our policy commitment with the aim of increasing awareness of dangers associated with both conventional tobacco products and NNETPs.) added The PS.
Furthermore, a series of activities have been planned by the Ministry of Health to mark the WNTD 2024 which include one day sensitization session, market survey, clinical service provider sensitization program as well as media engagement.
The PS further hailed the ministry’s efforts in combating tobacco use among young people noting significant achievements in implementation of policies and regulations such as the implementation of tobacco control laws, establishment of multi-sector taskforce, scaling up of alternative livelihood programs, capacity building for tobacco products testing, research collaborations as well as reviewing of tobacco control Act among others which have majorly contributed to the significant decline in tobacco use.
She also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that tobacco cessation services are accessible through Social Health Insurance Fund(SHIF) emphasizing on the community-based models delivered through outpatient services to address affordability and physical access challenges.
