The Global Adult Cigarette Survey (GATS) 2021 reports that smoking prevalence in South Africa remains high, according to the country. To address this issue, South Africa plans to amend the Tobacco Products Control Act to strengthen the regulation of vapes and secondhand smoke. This amendment is currently under consideration by Parliament.
According to SA According to the Global Adult Cigarette Survey 2021, News recently reported (GATS), South Africa’s smoking rates remain high, with daily smokers averaging 8.5 cigarettes per day, according to the country’s report.
South African teens on the rise vape, government to amend tobacco bill
According to recent GATS data, 29.4% of adults in South Africa smoke, with an average age of 17.6 years. The proportion of male smokers (41.7%) exceeds that of females (17.9%). Currently, the Northern Cape is the region in South Africa where cigarettes are most commonly smoked, followed by the Western Cape, with Limpopo being the least common region in Limpopo.
In addition, 2.2% said they were using e-cigarettes, with 3.8% of males and 0.7% of females, and 3.1% of adults using hookahs or bubble gum. 70.3% 67.5% said they enjoyed it, 45.1% of people said they liked the flavor, and 45.1% of people thought e-cigarettes were less harmful than tobacco, while 43.5% of people said friends or family members who used e-cigarettes influenced them to use them. cigarettes.
Jeanette Hunter, Head of Research, Department of Health, South Africa. (Jeanette Hunter) noted that cigarette and vape use is on the rise among adolescents. She recognizes that scientists have provided enough evidence for countries and have taken steps to limit the use of these new-generation products.
South Africa amended the current Tobacco Products Control Act
According to local policies. “It is for these reasons that we, as a country. Have amended the existing Tobacco Products Control Act (Act 83 of 1993) and included controls on. The application of electronic delivery systems (vapes). This amendment is currently in the parliamentary stage of consideration.”
Hunter also emphasized. The importance of a smoking ban in enclosed spaces was highlighted when it was found that 44.5% of adults in. South Africans are exposed to secondhand smoke.
Meanwhile, the South African Medical Research Council is part of. In the recommendation (SAMRC), Catherine Egbe emphasized the importance of implementing tobacco taxes. Smoke-free laws, graphic health warnings, and a complete ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, especially for young people.
Additionally, Egbe believes that if passed by Parliament. The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Act 2022 will help reduce this. The burden of long-term smoking and vape-related diseases.
