Burkina Faso has intensified its fight against tobacco use by issuing a decree to toughen the existing anti-tobacco law.
The new regulations address tobacco packaging and labeling, aiming to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health.
The Burkinabe government adopted the decree on Wednesday, with Health Minister Dr. Lucien Kargougou stating that the revisions align with guidelines from the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The FCTC advocates for plain packaging to enhance the effectiveness of health warnings.
The decree introduces plain packaging measures, including: Cigarette packaging will now be a uniform, matte, and less attractive color. Graphic health warnings will cover at least 80% of each main side of cigarette packs.
These measures aim to protect the population’s health by reducing the appeal of tobacco products.
While tobacco control efforts have led to a decrease in smoking prevalence in Burkina Faso (from 19.8% in 2013 to 13.6% in 2021), tobacco use remains a significant public health concern. According to the 2017 Tobacco Atlas, tobacco was responsible for over 4,800 deaths annually in Burkina Faso, including 1,300 deaths among non-smokers due to secondhand smoke.
The new decree is intended to further reduce tobacco consumption and mitigate its devastating health consequences.
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