Mozambique records around 9,300 annual deaths from tobacco-related diseases, which is 3.5% of all deaths. Tobacco consumption leads to significant economic losses, totaling 11.7 billion meticais. Urgent implementation of tobacco control measures is necessary to save lives and improve national health outcomes, according to health officials and the WHO.
Mozambique’s Deputy Director of Public Health, Aleny Couto, disclosed that tobacco-related diseases result in approximately 9,300 deaths annually, which constitutes 3.5 percent of all reported fatalities in the country. The report highlighting these findings was unveiled during a recent ceremony, emphasizing the severe public health crisis engendered by tobacco consumption.
The report indicates that predominantly, 73 percent of the deceased are individuals over the age of 70, with 14 percent of tobacco-related mortalities attributed to passive smoking. Furthermore, Couto noted that tobacco usage incurs economic losses amounting to 11.7 billion meticais (approximately 176.9 million dollars), equating to 1.3 percent of Mozambique’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Couto advocates for immediate investment in tobacco control initiatives, proposing that such measures could save 53,300 lives and 45 billion meticais in health expenses and economic losses by the year 2037. She highlighted that the country has currently expended 900 million meticais on health-related expenditures, alongside 10.8 billion attributable to indirect economic losses from premature deaths and workplace absenteeism.
Severin Xylandea, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative, reiterated the significant role of tobacco as a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced national tobacco control efforts. WHO strongly recommends the prompt enactment of the Tobacco Control Law in Mozambique to safeguard public health.
Proposed measures include introducing comprehensive legislation, elevating tobacco taxes, restricting access for youth, instituting a total ban on tobacco advertising, and enforcing standardized packaging alongside stringent health warnings. Xylandea stated that such decisive legislation would generate extensive benefits beyond health outcomes, contributing positively to the national economy, enhancing productivity, and alleviating pressures on the health system.
In summary, Mozambique faces a significant public health challenge due to tobacco-related diseases, accounting for over 9,300 deaths annually and substantial economic losses. Urgent measures are needed to strengthen tobacco control laws, enhance public health, and promote overall national well-being. Effective legislation can not only save lives but also foster economic development and reduce the healthcare burden.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
