Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, has called for a ban on flavours and product designs that appeal to young users.
Ihekweazu, made the call in a statement last weekend on his message on World No Tobacco Day, with theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”.
“More must be done to stay ahead of evolving tactics that target young people.We must ban flavours and product designs that appeal to young users.Regulate digital advertising and sponsorship on youth platforms.
“We must ensure product packaging does not imitate snacks or toys. They drew attention to a growing concern across the African continent: the increasing use of tobacco and nicotine products among our children and adolescents.
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“This year’s theme calls for urgent action to protect young people from harmful industry tactics that threaten their health and future,” he said.
According to him, in spite decades of progress in tobacco control, the industry continues to reinvent its approach, using flavoured products, sleek packaging and targeted digital marketing to attract new users.
“These strategies mask the dangers of tobacco, presenting it as modern or glamorous, making it easier to start, and harder to stop,” Ihekweazu said. He said that the consequences were serious.
According to him, no fewer than 146,000 people die from tobacco-related causes in the African Region each year.
