Health Minister Sylvia Masebo says President Hakainde Hichilema, is resolved to containing the harmful tobacco use through responsive and effective legislation.
Officiating at the annual Semi-Annual Bill and Melinda Gates Tobacco Control core partners meeting, Ms. Masebo says it is imperative that the country implement and enforce a tobacco control law that will make the country compliant with not only the international best practices, but also safeguard the health and well-being of the people, especially the youth.
She says tobacco use by the general population remains a source of concern, particularly for the youth and women.
The Minister has observed the need need to act at personal, family, community, national and international levels to fight this public health threat.
“It is against this background, that the Ministry of Health has taken keen interest in the deliberations at this Semi-Annual Bill and Melinda Gates Tobacco Control conference, says Ms. Masebo.
“It is our sincere hope and wish that this conference will come up with useful recommendation to inform policy,” she said.
Ms. Masebo says her call to action is to encourage all Core Partners, civil society, academia and research institutions to continue educating the citizenry on the harmful effects of tobacco use.
She has challenged everyone to contribute to mitigating the harmful effects of tobacco use in our various countries and regions.