Sierra Leone's youths have emerged as pivotal ambassadors in the fight against tobacco use, with enhanced awareness and advocacy skills aimed at resisting the influence of the tobacco industry. Their growing involvement is key in protecting their health, wellbeing, and making informed decisions about tobacco consumption.

According to the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (2013), tobacco kills 3,300 Sierra Leoneans annually, with over 900 deaths caused by exposure to secondhand smoke. A significant portion of these deaths, 68%, occurs among individuals under the age of 70 years, while more than a quarter affects the poorest income quintile. The economic cost of tobacco uses results in a 73% loss in productivity, further straining the healthcare system and undermining national efforts toward achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In response, the Sierra Leone government, with technical support from WHO and other partners, enacted the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act in 2022. This legislation incorporated key demand reduction strategies in alignment with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Provisions include a ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products, a 100% smoke free policy in public- and work- places, restrictions on tobacco advertising, sponsorship, and promotion, and a ban on sales to minors, along with the introduction of graphic health warnings.

The role of youths in raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco and related substances has been crucial. There is evidence that tobacco use among young people often leads to experimentation with other harmful substances. The emergence of flavored tobacco products like shisha and e-cigarettes presents a particularly significant threat to the youths, as the tobacco industry aggressively markets these products, often disguised as candy-flavored traps. 

The theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day, "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference," was a powerful call to action aimed at safeguarding future generations. It underscores the reality that when youths are addicted to tobacco, they become lifelong customers of the industry, but at a severe cost to society.

In commemoration of the day, several youths-focused activities were organized with WHO's support including:

     Media Engagement:   WHO coordinated outreach with youth organizations and the general public through live TV and radio interviews. These media platforms highlighted the dangers of tobacco use and the rationale for tobacco control, specifically targeting young audiences. This was done in collaboration with the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health.

     Capacity Building:   WHO supported training for 20 young people identified as tobacco control champions. These advocates are now actively engaged in promoting the implementation of tobacco control strategies aimed at protecting youths from industry targeting. Their work also includes efforts to establish no tobacco clubs in schools across Freetown, positively influencing their peers to avoid tobacco abuse.

     Youth Symposium:   A symposium was organized for schools throughout Freetown, educating students on the provisions of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act and the health risks associated with smoking. This event empowered the youth to make informed decisions and strengthened their awareness of the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products.

     Community Outreach:   WHO supported awareness raising activities within communities, distributing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials such as banners, posters, T-shirts, brochures, and flyers to young people in the Western Area Urban. These materials carried key messages about the health risks of tobacco use.

Engaging youth — those most targeted by the tobacco industry — as leaders in the campaign against tobacco was essential for the success of these initiatives. Their involvement highlighted the significance of including youth voices in public health efforts, particularly in a country where young people make up one-third of the population. Live radio discussions with youths provided an effective platform for educating their peers about the health risks of smoking, further solidifying their role as key stakeholders in the movement toward a smoke free future.

For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:

SHARKAH Madlyn

National Communication Officer
WHO Sierra Leone
Email: sharkahm [at] who.int (sharkahm[at]who[dot]int)