Samuel Mbewe
Tobacco Control Bill advocate has condemned the deceptive tactics employed by the tobacco industry as they make desperate attempts to undermine the Tobacco Control Bill.
Addressing the media Africa Tobacco Control Youth Ambassador Given Kapolyo says it is disturbing to see that they have organized a meeting with selected committees of parliamentarians under the guise of engagement and awareness.
She has observed that the meeting conveniently scheduled during the decisive final stages of the bills journey to parliament raises suspicion.
Ms. Kapolyo has called on the executive and the speaker to take note of the blatant interference and question why the tobacco Industry feels the need engage with parliamentarians outside the confines of parliament at this vital stage.
“Tobacco industry employs sophisticated strategies to allure and initiate the youth into a lifetime of addiction. Marketing tactics include colorful packaging appealing flavors and aggressive promotion on social media platforms frequented by young people”, said Kapolyo.
She says the relentless pursuit of profit by the tobacco industry comes at the cost of public health particularly targeting the vulnerable groups of youth and women.
Ms Kapolyo has noted the tobacco industry’s misleading claims are aimed at creating fear and confusion among the public. “The tobacco industry’s tactics involve discrediting established scientific evidence engaging in political and legislative manipulation, intimidating governments through litigation or mere threat of it” Kapolyo said.
She added that one common tactic used by the industry is spreading a false narrative that the tobacco Control bill seeks to ban tobacco production in Zambia by doing so they create fear and resistance among lawmakers, making it adhere to pass legislation that protects public health.
Ms. Kapolyo has however said the industry discredits reputable studies including global reports from organizations like the world health organization and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.