Mozambique records 9,300 annual deaths due to tobacco-related diseases, costing 11.7 billion meticais in economic losses. WHO urges for stronger tobacco control measures, including stricter legislation and public health initiatives, to save lives and reduce healthcare burdens.
In Mozambique, Deputy Director of Public Health Aleny Couto revealed that tobacco consumption leads to approximately 9,300 annual deaths due to related diseases. This statistic accounts for 3.5 percent of the nation’s total death toll. A recent report indicates that 73 percent of these fatalities involve adults 70 years and older, while 14 percent are attributed to passive smoking.
Moreover, tobacco use incurs significant economic consequences, with direct and indirect losses amounting to 11.7 billion meticais (approximately 176.9 million dollars), equating to 1.3 percent of Mozambique’s GDP. Couto emphasized that implementing tobacco control measures could prevent 53,300 deaths and save 45 billion meticais in health costs and economic detriment by 2037.
Couto pointed out that tobacco-related health expenses total 900 million meticais, alongside 10.8 billion meticais in indirect economic loss due to premature mortality and smoking-related illnesses. Meanwhile, Severin Xylandea, representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), stressed the need for Mozambique to advance tobacco control efforts to enhance public health.
WHO advocates for the swift implementation of tobacco control legislation, which would include raising taxes on tobacco, restricting access to products for youth, banning advertisements, and enforcing standardized packaging with clearer health warnings. Xylandea further noted that past experiences demonstrate that rigorous tobacco control leads to improved national economics and productivity, alleviating pressure on health systems.
She concluded by asserting that prioritizing this agenda not only aims to preserve lives but also paves the way for sustainable development in Mozambique.
In summary, Mozambique faces a significant public health challenge due to tobacco consumption, resulting in thousands of annual deaths and substantial economic losses. Enhanced tobacco control legislation and measures are urgently needed to not only save lives but also benefit the nation’s economy and overall health system. Immediate action is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of tobacco on both individuals and society as a whole.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
