EXCLUDE TOBACCO INDUSTRY: AFRICA’S CALL FOR HEALTH POLICY PURITY

Recommendations emerging from the 2023 Africa Regional Report on Tobacco Industry interference is the unequivocal exclusion of the tobacco industry, denying them any acknowledgment as stakeholders in health, emergency preparedness, or social policy development at any level.

The report emphasizes the paramount importance of transparency in addressing tobacco-related concerns. Specifically, the disclosure of meetings and minutes between government officials and the tobacco industry, along with information on lobbying activities, is deemed crucial. This transparency not only enhances government accountability but also facilitates comprehension of decisionmaking processes, dispelling concerns about potential industry influence. Furthermore, it provides critical information to the public, enabling them to fulfill their watchdog duty.

Botswana, despite facing numerous challenges, receives commendation for its proactive stance in tackling tobacco issues transparently. Despite a myriad of obstacles, the Government of Botswana seized the opportunity to advance tobacco control for public health protection. A significant milestone was achieved with the passage of the Tobacco Control Act (TCA) no. 19 of 2021, aligning with the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) standards.

Nevertheless, several countries, including

Zambia, Tanzania, and Cameroon, continue to grapple with significant interference from the tobacco industry. Over the past years (2019-2023), Tanzania and Zambia consistently topped the interference list, while Botswana, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia recorded substantial improvements.

In Botswana, the 2021 TCA mandates that meetings between tobacco companies and government officials be conducted publicly, and the minutes must be recorded and made accessible to the public. Despite these provisions, implementation is pending the development and adoption of new regulations.

Regarding Conflict of Interest in Protecting Public Health Policy, the report underscores the challenge arising when vested interests create doubts about the objectivity of actions, judgments, and decision-making. According to the WHO FCTC’s Article 5.3 Guidelines, parties must eliminate conflicts of interest for all public servants and workers, adopting guidelines to guard against the tobacco industry’s influence on public health policies. In Botswana, a notable achievement was the passing of the Tobacco Control Act (TCA) no. 19 of 2021, requiring political parties, candidates, or campaigns to disclose all contributions, including those from tobacco industry entities. Despite the absence of evidence implicating senior government officials in the tobacco industry, or their relatives holding positions in the tobacco business, these provisions are yet to be implemented, pending the development of regulations.