Tobacco Control

Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. Tobacco control actions will prevent young people from starting to use tobacco, help current tobacco users to quit and protect non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Tobacco use remains a growing public health threat in the African Region. While prevalence is still comparatively low, rapid population growth, aggressive tobacco industry marketing, and the emergence of new nicotine products pose significant risks. Strengthening implementation of WHO FCTC is essential to protect health and to achieve SDG Target 3.a.

WHO Policies and Regional Strategies

Progress in MPOWER Implementation

Since 2007:

• Countries that have implemented at least one MPOWER measure at the highest level increased from 6 to 28 (as of 2024).
• Population coverage expanded from 120 million to 950 million people—representing 73% of the Region's population.

1) Warning About the Dangers of Tobacco

WHO FCTC Article 11 requires effective packaging and labelling policies.

• 20 Member States have adopted graphic health warnings;
• 3 Member States have regulations for plain packaging, with Mauritius already implementing it.

WHO pictorial health warnings library: https://www.who.int/tools/pictorial-health-warnings-on-tobacco-products

2) Banning Smoking in Public Places

WHO FCTC Article 8 mandates protection from tobacco smoke in all indoor public spaces.

• 39 Member States have enacted laws to restrict smoking in public places.
• 14 countries have 100% smoke-free policies.

3) Comprehensive Ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS)

WHO FCTC Article 13 requires a full ban on TAPS.

• 36 countries have enacted TAPS bans:
• 22 have total bans
• 14 have partial bans

4) Other MPOWER Measures

Countries continue to strengthen:

• Tobacco taxation
• Cessation services
• Surveillance systems to monitor tobacco use and implementation of policy

Scope of WHO Technical Support to Member States

1) Strengthening Political Commitment

Countries increasingly embed tobacco control within:

• National development plans
• UHC agendas
• NCD strategies
• National budget processes

2) Enhancing Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

Over 75% of Member States have adopted or updated FCTC-aligned legislation, including on smoke-free laws, TAPS bans, labelling, taxation, and implementation of Article 5.3 (protecting policies from tobacco industry interference).

3) Expanding National Capacity

• Training programmes for national tobacco control focal points, law enforcement bodies, and customs officials.
• Countries are strengthening enforcement systems, including multi-sectoral inspections.

4) Improving Data and Surveillance

• More countries are implementing GATS, GYTS, and national surveys.
• Data are regularly uploaded to the Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS) to support monitoring and evaluation.

Expected Outcomes for Tobacco Control in the African Region

1) Declining Tobacco Use Prevalence

Significant reductions are expected among adults and young people, particularly in countries scaling up best-practice measures such as taxation and smoke-free policies.

2) Stronger Tobacco Taxation

More countries will adopt tax reforms that raise tobacco prices and achieve a total tax share ≥75%, with automatic annual adjustments for inflation and income growth.

3) Effective Implementation of Comprehensive Laws

Increased enforcement and compliance are expected as countries adopt full, nationwide tobacco control legislation.

4) Reduced Tobacco Industry Interference

Strengthened implementation of Article 5.3, enhanced transparency, and restrictions on tobacco industry CSR activities will help safeguard health policies.

Contact

For technical support, please contact:
Dr William Maina
Email: mainaw [at] who.int (mainaw[at]who[dot]int)
Health Promotion, Determinants of Health and Tobacco Control Unit
WHO Regional Office for Africa