Local leaders in Botswana are calling for stronger tobacco-control regulations and higher taxes on tobacco products as health advocates expand a campaign through councils around the country.
Botswana Guardian reported that Molepolole Council deputy chairperson Kenna Odirile backed higher tobacco taxes following engagements by the Anti-Tobacco Network under its Clean Air Botswana initiative. The campaign has been taken to councils including Moshupa, Good Hope, Jwaneng, Mabutsane, Tsabong and Kweneng.
Council representatives are also pressing for subsidiary regulations needed to fully implement the Tobacco Control Act of 2021. Odirile argued that making tobacco products less accessible, particularly to young people, could protect public health while reducing the financial burden of tobacco-related illnesses on government.
The Anti-Tobacco Network said changes in government and competing national priorities have contributed to delays in finalising regulations, but maintained that stronger tobacco control could reduce future healthcare costs.
Source: Botswana Guardian — https://guardiansun.co.bw/business/anti-tobacco-campaign-reaches-councils/news
