Rising Trends in Tobacco Products Demand Urgent Youth-Led Action in Africa
As the world prepares to observe World No Tobacco Day on May 31, public health advocates are raising alarms about the alarming rise of emerging tobacco and nicotine products across Africa.
In a compelling webinar hosted by the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, Labram Musah, a prominent public health advocate and executive director for the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, underscored the urgent need for youth-led initiatives and regional collaboration to combat this growing crisis.
Themed, “Rising Trends in Emerging Tobacco and Nicotine Products in Africa – The Need for Youth-led Action & Regional Collaboration,” the webinar gathered participants from various African nations, united by a common mission: to protect the health and future of young people from the deceptive allure of products like vapes and e-cigarettes.
Labram Musah opened the discussion by highlighting the sophisticated marketing strategies employed by the tobacco industry, which are specifically designed to appeal to youth. “These products, with their sleek designs and enticing flavors, mask the serious health risks associated with their use,” he warned. The underlying message was clear: young people are being lured into addiction under the false pretense of safety.
A troubling trend is emerging—youth who have never smoked are increasingly getting hooked on these novel products. Mr Musah pointed out that many of these young individuals are transitioning to traditional cigarettes when they cannot access vapes or e-cigarettes. This shift poses a renewed threat to public health, undermining years of progress in reducing smoking prevalence in countries like Ghana, where efforts have successfully kept smoking rates below 5%.
The webinar also examined regulatory gaps and enforcement challenges in addressing these emerging tobacco products as participants shared insights from their respective countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, and Uganda, illustrating the urgent need for coordinated advocacy efforts and knowledge-sharing across borders.
Mr Musah emphasized that the responsibility to combat this epidemic does not lie solely with governments or health professionals. “Parents, teachers, community leaders, and most importantly, young people themselves, must rise to take ownership of this fight,” he stated. The message resonated strongly, calling for a collective commitment to expose the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry.
This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” serves as a timely reminder of the evolving challenges faced by public health advocates. Mr Musah urged attendees to amplify their voices and intensify efforts to reveal the devastating impact of tobacco use and exposure.
As the session concluded, he left participants with a powerful call to action: “A tobacco-free future is not a dream; it is within reach, but only if we act now and act together.” His words echoed the sentiments of many advocates who believe that through unity and urgency, it is possible to safeguard the health of future generations.
The insights shared during this webinar highlight a critical juncture in the fight against tobacco use in Africa. With the rise of emerging products posing new challenges, it is essential for all stakeholders—governments, health organizations, and especially youth—to collaborate and take decisive action. Only then can we hope to create a healthier, tobacco-free future for the continent.
In the spirit of collaboration, the webinar also recognized the contributions of individuals championing tobacco control efforts. Special commendation was given to Madam Levina, the moderator of the event, who received the WHO World No Tobacco Day 2025 Award for her outstanding advocacy work. This recognition not only highlights individual efforts but also serves as an inspiration for collective action in the ongoing fight against tobacco-related health issues.
As preparations commence for World No Tobacco Day, the appeal of emerging tobacco products must be unmasked, and the health of future generations must be prioritized. The webinar was organized by the Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development (VAST Ghana), in partnership with Health Conscious Africa (Kenya), Uganda Health Communication Alliance (UHCA), the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance, Ghana NCD Alliance and co-sponsored the Food and Drugs Authority and the Ghana and Africa Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA).
