Chipangali residents mark world no tobacco day with call for stronger public health awareness

Hundreds of residents in Chipangali District of Eastern Province on Saturday joined millions of people around the world in commemorating World No Tobacco Day, with renewed calls for greater awareness of the dangers posed by tobacco and nicotine products. The event was held under the global theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” and attracted community members, traditional leaders, health practitioners, youths and representatives from civil society organizations. Participants used the occasion to highlight the growing threat posed by tobacco use and the need to protect communities, particularly young people, from the harmful health effects of tobacco and nicotine products as well as the industry’s increasingly sophisticated marketing tactics.

Speaking during the commemoration, Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, stressed the importance of safeguarding public health while pursuing economic activities. He noted that although Chipangali remained one of Zambia’s major tobacco-producing districts, the health risks associated with tobacco consumption cannot be ignored. Thole said tobacco-related diseases continued to place a significant burden on families, communities and the country’s healthcare system, underscoring the need for sustained public education and prevention efforts.

The event was marked by colourful cultural performances that drew enthusiastic participation from residents. Learners and youth groups also took centre stage, performing poems and dramas that challenged the marketing practices of the tobacco industry and encouraged young people to resist the temptation of tobacco and nicotine products. Health experts at the event reiterated the importance of strengthening tobacco control measures and raising awareness about the long-term health consequences of tobacco use, including cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses.

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World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31 to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies that reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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