Gabon launches 'Tobacco-Free Administration' initiative to enforce existing legislation

On Wednesday, June 26, the Gabonese government launched the "Tobacco-Free Administration" initiative, aimed at setting an example and strengthening strict enforcement of the law banning tobacco use in public places. This initiative is part of the International Day against Drugs, highlighting Gabon's announcement to reduce the harm caused by tobacco.

The tobacco epidemic in Gabon

Although affected later by the tobacco epidemic, it represents a significant public health problem in Gabon. A 2009 WHO survey revealed that 12.1 % of adults aged 16 to 64 smoke, with a higher prevalence among men (19.7 %) than among women (4.6 %). In schools, the gender gap in consumption is narrower. A 2014 study showed that 10.4 % of young people aged 13 to 15 smoke, with rates of 15.1 % for boys and 7.1 % for girls.[1]

Gabon has ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and has established legislation based on several laws and decrees aimed at protecting public health from the harmful effects of tobacco. Law No. 006/2013 of 21 August 2013 establishes various tobacco control measures, including a ban on smoking in public places, a restriction on advertising for tobacco products, and a ban on the sale of tobacco to minors. However, this legislation suffers from not being implemented, particularly due to the major influence of the tobacco industry.

In 2021, the Tobacco Industry Interference Index reveals that, out of 57 countries worldwide analyzed, Gabon ranks 3rd among the countries most influenced by the tobacco industry.[2]

Added to this was the issue of new tobacco and nicotine products. In 2022, to counter the risks associated with their use among young people, the National Mental Health, Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Control Program (PNLT), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), organized a workshop from August 10 to 11. Stakeholders met to reflect on the regulatory mechanisms for these new products.[3]

A stated desire to fight against smoking

A meeting was held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the Jeanne Ebori University Hospital in Libreville, bringing together national experts, local and national public officials. On this occasion, the issues of the national regulations in force were recalled. Renée Ndjaga Enombo, Director of the National Tobacco Control Program, affirmed on this occasion the desire of the Ministry of Health of Gabon to promote a tobacco-free environment in spaces open to the public and the need to apply the regulations prohibiting any tobacco consumption in these places of collective use. In the application of these provisions, Gabon can count on the support of the secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and draw on good practices developed in other countries.[4]

 

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©Generation Without Tobacco

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  [1] Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies, Gabon/fight against smoking: An information and awareness campaign launched in Libreville, FAAPA, published on January 22, 2021, consulted on July 1, 2024 [2] ATCA, Brake on the fight against tobacco in Gabon, the Gabonese Tobacco Authority and the CECA-GADIS group, singled out, ATCA, published November 23, 2024, accessed July 1, 2024 [3] Loic Ntoutoume, Anti-tobacco fight: Gabon tackles the new strategy of ash merchants, Gabon Review, published August 10, 2022, accessed July 1, 2024 [4] Griffin Ondo Nzuey, Tobacco consumption: Gabon no longer wants it in its administrations, GabonReview, published June 27, 2024, accessed July 1, 2024 National Committee Against Smoking |