Tobacco consumption in Mozambique causes 9,300 deaths yearly and results in significant economic loss equivalent to 1.3% of GDP. Aleny Couto emphasizes that effective tobacco control measures could save 53,300 lives by 2037. WHO calls for urgent approval of the Tobacco Control Law to enhance public health and economic productivity.
Mozambique’s deputy director of public health, Aleny Couto, revealed that tobacco consumption leads to approximately 9,300 deaths annually. This number constitutes 3.5 percent of all reported deaths in the nation, with 73 percent occurring in adults aged 70 and over, and 14 percent attributed to passive smoking.
The economic impact of tobacco is significant, with losses amounting to 11.7 billion meticais (about $176.9 million) each year, representing 1.3 percent of Mozambique’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Couto emphasized that investing in tobacco control measures now could prevent 53,300 deaths and save up to 45 billion meticais in health costs and economic losses by 2037.
Couto indicated that Mozambique invested 900 million meticais in health-related expenses while incurring 10.8 billion in indirect economic losses from premature deaths and workplace smoking breaks. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control efforts.
Severin Xylandea, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that tobacco is one of the leading preventable causes of death globally. Xylandea urged for immediate enactment of the Tobacco Control Law in Mozambique, aiming to bolster public health.
The WHO recommends effective legislation, increased taxation on tobacco products, making them less accessible, especially for youth, and banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. Implementing standardized packaging and stronger health warnings is also crucial.
Strict tobacco legislation promotes not just health benefits but also economic gains, enhancing national productivity and alleviating healthcare burdens. “By prioritizing this agenda, Mozambique will not only save lives, but will also strengthen its sustainable development path,” stated Xylandea.
Tobacco consumption in Mozambique results in over 9,300 annual deaths, representing a substantial economic burden on the country. Urgent action is needed to implement tobacco control measures, as these could save lives and reduce economic losses significantly. Effective legislation, including increased taxes and advertising restrictions, is essential for improving public health and economic stability in Mozambique.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
