Appeal to President Hakainde Hichilema to Sign the Tobacco Control Bill

As Zambia marks May Measurement Month 2026, a global campaign led by the International Society of Hypertension, citizens across the country are being urged to “Know Your Numbers” — a simple but life-saving call to monitor blood pressure.

This message carries urgent weight. High blood pressure, or Hypertension, is a silent killer. It often shows no symptoms, yet remains Zambia’s leading controllable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. A quick check today can prevent a devastating loss tomorrow.

A Growing Public Health Crisis

Once perceived as a condition affecting only the wealthy, hypertension is now widespread across all segments of society. It is increasingly common in low-income communities, rural areas, and even among children and adolescents. Despite its growing impact, public health responses remain insufficient. Too many Zambians continue to die at home — undiagnosed and untreated.

The Tobacco Connection

Tobacco use is one of the most significant and preventable drivers of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Both active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Each cigarette raises blood pressure instantly and causes cumulative damage to vital organs, including the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. For non-smokers living with hypertension, exposure to secondhand smoke further heightens the danger.

A Call to Leadership

The solution is now within reach. Zambia’s Parliament has overwhelmingly adopted the Tobacco Control Bill — a bold and necessary step toward protecting public health.

This is a direct and urgent appeal to Hakainde Hichilema:

Mr. President, please sign the Tobacco Control Bill into law this May.

For many citizens living with hypertension, this is not an abstract policy issue — it is a matter of survival. Signing the bill would represent a decisive intervention in addressing one of the country’s most pressing health challenges.

Why This Matters

By enacting the Tobacco Control Bill, Zambia will:

• Reduce hypertension rates by cutting tobacco use and limiting exposure, especially among young people
• Save lives by preventing strokes and heart attacks that continue to devastate families
• Protect vulnerable populations where tobacco harm intersects with limited healthcare access
• Strengthen Zambia’s commitment to combating non-communicable diseases in line with global standards

A National Responsibility

This May, as Zambians are encouraged to check their blood pressure, the nation must also confront one of the root causes of the crisis.

Know Your Numbers. Control Your Pressure. Control Tobacco.

Issued by: Hypertension with Zambia Heart and Stroke Foundation
For a Zambia with healthy hearts and strong futures