Ethiopia: Graphic warnings on cigarette packets

Recognizing that the population absolutely must be informed of the risks associated with the consumption of tobacco products, and that illustrated health warnings have proven their worth in this area, Ethiopia has made them mandatory.

A directive to reduce smoking

On 21 January 2014, Ethiopia ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. In 2019, a directive aimed at combating the tobacco epidemic introduced a ban on smoking in public and communal places, a ban on advertising, and new restrictions on the sale to or by minors of tobacco products or e-cigarettes.

Visible warnings

Following this directive, Ethiopia also required that a health warning with a picture be placed on the front and back of cigarette packs, with the size of the warning to be 70 % of the surface area. The inscriptions must be in Amharic on the front of the pack, and in English or another language on the back.

In 2020, an increase in taxes

In February 2020, the country also adopted a bill to increase taxes on tobacco products through the introduction of a specific excise. Ethiopia was indeed one of the low- and middle-income countries where tobacco products were financially affordable. The increase in the average price of a pack of cigarettes, coupled with the warnings, should therefore contribute to the reduction in smoking. “Cancer and non-communicable diseases are on the rise in Africa. This new law will significantly reduce cigarette consumption by Ethiopians and save lives,” said Boureima Hama Sambo, WHO representative.[1].

Smoking in Ethiopia

In 2016, the Global Adult Tobacco Survey showed that 5,131 of the Ethiopian population aged 15 and over used tobacco. 29,31 were exposed to smoke in their workplace. For Bintou Camara, Africa Program Director for the "Tobacco-Free Kids Campaign", "this law unanimously adopted by parliament (would) save lives and protect more than 105 million people in the second most populous country in Africa."[2]

©Tobacco Free Generation

[1] https://letempstg.com/2020/02/29/ethiopie-renforcement-de-la-legislation-sur-le-tabac/

[2] https://atca-africa.org/fr/l-ethiopie-desenfume-sa-population

“Tobacco Products Pictorial Health Warning and Labeling Directive”, Ethiopian Food, Medicine and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority, October 2019.

[i] "Ethiopia increases tobacco taxes by introducing specific excise" https://www.generationsanstabac.org/actualites/ethiopie-augmente-ses-taxes-sur-le-tabac-en-introduisant-une-accise-specifique/

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