The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) with support from World Health Organization (WHO) Namibia, commemorated the World No Tobacco Day on 31 May 2024 in Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region. The event was held under the theme “Protecting children from the tobacco industry interference”, which aimed to advocate against targeting youth with harmful tobacco products and to raise awareness among communities, school children, and businesspersons on the danger of smoking and selling tobacco products to underage children. 
 
Delivering the keynote speech, the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Hon. Dr. Esther Muinjangue underscored that “as a country, we can proudly pronounce that we have made great strides in controlling the ravages of tobacco, as well as meeting standards set out in the WHO FCTC”. She further highlighted how the legal frameworks and the annual observance of World No Tobacco Day work promote a comprehensive approach to reducing tobacco use globally, safeguarding public health, and fostering sustainable development.

According to WHO, the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever witnessed and is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Moreover, tobacco kills up to half of its users and kills around 8 million people each year globally. More than 7 million of those deaths are the results of direct tobacco use.  Globally, at least 37 million young people aged 13–15 years use some form of tobacco products, and of the Namibian population 11.2% of young people in the same age category are tobacco users. 
 
Delivering remarks on behalf of the WHO Namibia Officer-In-Charge, Dr. Laimi Ashipala highlighted that the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day in Namibia provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of tobacco use on public health, celebrate achievements made in tobacco control, and recommit to efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use in the country. “By working together towards a common goal of tobacco control, Namibia can create a healthier and smoke-free environment for all its citizens” she emphasized. 
 
With support from WHO Namibia, MoHSS trained 49 Environmental health officers from various stakeholders in 2023 on the Tobacco Control Act and its regulation and how it aligns with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

  The Tsumeb Mayor, His Worship Councilor Mathew Hangula emphasized that raising awareness, supporting policy changes, and promoting healthy lifestyles can create an environment where youth are empowered to make informed choices and resist the appeal of tobacco. “On this occasion, let us stand firm to protect our children from the sale and distribution of deadly tobacco products and create a healthier, brighter future for generations to come” he added.

The country will review the Tobacco Products Control Act of 2010 in June 2024 to strengthen tobacco control measures and develop a national strategic plan for tobacco control.