By Chapala Chikoyi
Youth advocates have renewed calls for the urgent enactment of comprehensive tobacco control legislation in Zambia, warning that continued delays expose young people to addiction, disease, and aggressive tobacco industry influence.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Longacres Lodge in Lusaka on Friday, 12 December 2025, two 18-year-old youth advocates delivered powerful statements on behalf of the tobacco control movement, emphasizing that Zambia must prioritize public health over industry interests.
A statement authored by Brenda Chitinda was read by Jemimah Phiri, an 18-year-old youth advocate. In her delivery, Phiri firmly rejected the framing of so-called “alternative nicotine products” as solutions, insisting that Zambia needs strong tobacco control legislation—not expanded access to nicotine in any form.
“Nicotine products, regardless of how they are packaged or marketed, continue to harm young people,” the statement emphasized. “Zambia must adopt laws that protect current and future generations from addiction and preventable diseases.”
A second statement was delivered by Kumbutso Phiri, also 18 years old, who highlighted the disproportionate impact of tobacco use on young people and low-income communities. He stressed that the absence of comprehensive tobacco control legislation leaves youth vulnerable to targeted advertising, easy access to tobacco products, and weak enforcement mechanisms.
The press briefing brought together civil society organizations, public health advocates, and youth leaders, all of whom echoed the urgent need for Zambia to align its laws with global best practices under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
Youth speakers made it clear that they are not merely passive beneficiaries of policy decisions but active stakeholders demanding accountability from policymakers.
As Zambia prepares to introduce the Tobacco Control Bill, youth advocates urged lawmakers to ensure that the legislation is comprehensive, evidence-based, and free from tobacco industry interference.
“Our voices matter because we are the ones who will live with the consequences,” one youth advocate noted. “This law is about our right to health, dignity, and a future free from addiction.”
The press briefing concluded with a united call from TOFAZA Executive Director Brenda Chitinda and Tobacco Control Consortium of Zambia (TCCZ) Chairperson Mr. Albert Muloboka Phiri, urging Parliament to move swiftly and decisively in passing strong tobacco control legislation that prioritizes public health and safeguards Zambia’s youth.
Mr. Phiri observed that while tobacco companies such as British American Tobacco operate under strict regulations in countries like the United Kingdom—where laws are moving toward preventing entire generations from accessing cigarettes—they continue to pursue the opposite strategy in Zambia.
“In their home countries, strong legislation protects children,” he noted. “Yet here, tobacco products are sold every 100 metres within and near schools. This double standard must end.”
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