By Thom Ali

Lilongwe Feb 11 Mana: Deputy Minister of Health Noah Chimpeni has said government is committed to tackling the harmful effects of tobacco use and improving the lives of Malawian citizens.

Speaking during the stakeholders meeting of the needs assessment exercise for the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) framework convention on tobacco control (WHO - FCTC) in Lilongwe, the Minister said government through the Ministry of Health recognizes tobacco use as a significant risk factor for non -communicable diseases and also recognizes the importance of tobacco control by reducing public health effects from tobacco products.

"As a Ministry, we prioritise tobacco control in addressing the harmful effects of tobacco, and this is reflected in the national health strategies and development plans, Chimpeni said.

The Minister also indicated that the Ministry of Health is at the forefront of developing different programs and strategic documents in preventing chronic conditions such as cancer and other NCDS in Malawi, by among others developing the National Cancer Control Strategic Plan 2019-2029, and the National Health Financing Strategy 2023-2030 which supports using tobacco taxes as an innovative health.

Chimpeni further commended WHO and various partners for the efforts being made in complimenting governments efforts in promoting activities to prevent non-communicable diseases in Malawi.

In his remarks. Secretariat for WHO FCTC Andrew Black said that the assessment, which is being undertaken jointly with the Ministry of Health and WHO, will among others help to identify gaps and opportunities for more to be done to protect the health of Malawian citizens from tobacco use, including protecting children and young people.

"Our priority is to support Malawi to protect young people from becoming addicted to tobacco use and support adults to be able to quit tobacco completely”, Black emphasised.

WHO Representative Dr Newman Rusibamayila Kimambo hailed the Malawi government for allowing the exercise to be conducted, as it demonstrates the country's continued high-level political commitment to combating the global tobacco epidemic and prioritizing public health well-being.

She noted that setting up a functional Tobacco Control Programme is crucial, as it contributes to reducing the burden of diseases caused by tobacco.

“As WHO, we welcome this initiative, which will guide tobacco program implementation and protect citizens from tobacco smoke,” Kimambo said.

The WHO FCTC is an international treaty that helps countries to reduce the health risks of tobacco use.