Mozambique’s Tobacco Crisis: Economic and Health Impacts on Society

Mozambique faces over 9,300 deaths annually from tobacco-related diseases, representing 3.5% of total deaths. The economic loss due to tobacco consumption amounts to 11.7 billion meticais. WHO advocates for urgent tobacco control laws to reduce health risks and promote better health and economic outcomes.

Mozambique’s Deputy Director of Public Health, Aleny Couto, announced that the nation experiences approximately 9,300 fatalities annually due to tobacco-related illnesses. This statistic accounts for 3.5% of the total deaths recorded in the country, with the majority of victims being adults aged over 70 years. Alarmingly, 14% of these deaths arise from passive smoking.

The economic impact of tobacco consumption is significant, leading to direct and indirect losses of 11.7 billion meticais (around 176.9 million dollars), representing 1.3% of Mozambique’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Couto emphasized that investing in tobacco control measures could potentially save 53,300 lives and avert 45 billion meticais in health costs and economic losses by 2037.

The report indicates that approximately 900 million meticais were expended on health-related expenses associated with tobacco, alongside an additional 10.8 billion meticais attributed to indirect losses from premature deaths and workplace absenteeism due to smoking-related conditions.

Severin Xylandea, a representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), underscored the urgency of adopting the Tobacco Control Law in Mozambique to mitigate public health risks. She advocated for comprehensive legislation, tax increases on tobacco products to enhance accessibility for youth, a complete ban on tobacco advertising, standardized packaging, and more stringent health warnings.

Xylandea concluded by stating that effective tobacco control measures do not only improve health outcomes but also positively impact the national economy, leading to heightened productivity and reduced pressure on healthcare systems. By prioritizing tobacco control, Mozambique has the opportunity to enhance its sustainable development initiatives while simultaneously saving lives.

In conclusion, tobacco consumption remains a critical public health issue in Mozambique, contributing to significant mortality and economic losses. The endorsement of comprehensive tobacco control measures is imperative to mitigate these effects. By adopting rigorous legislation, Mozambique can safeguard public health while simultaneously fostering economic growth, thus enhancing its overall development trajectory.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com