Under the slogan ‘Unmask the Lure’, Angola marked World No Tobacco Day with an inspiring ceremony that brought together government authorities, international partners, health professionals, and children. The event in Luanda was a collective call to action: to protect young people and guarantee a healthier future, free from the tobacco industry’s manipulation.

Worldwide, tobacco remains one of the greatest threats to public health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 8 million people die every year from tobacco consumption, including 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke. In Africa, the scenario is particularly worrying, as more than 10 per cent of teenagers are already smokers, and the number continues to grow.

During the ceremony, the Secretary of State for Public Health, Prof Dr Carlos Pinto de Sousa, highlighted the importance of the date as a moment to renew commitments: ‘World No Tobacco Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to public health and the protection of our population.

The ceremony included the presentation of prizes to the winners of the 10th national essay and drawing competition, organised by the National Institute for the Fight against Drugs (INALUD). Under the same slogan as the global campaign, ‘Unmask the Attractive’, the initiative encouraged young people to creatively express the hidden dangers behind the tobacco industry’s marketing strategies.

Representing the WHO in Angola, Dr Fernanda Alves made it known that in Angola, tobacco consumption is on the rise, especially among young people aged 15 to 49, adding that, ‘global data indicates that 14.3% of Angolan men and 1.8% of Angolan women consume tobacco, and many do so daily. This trend directly threatens the country’s health and sustainable development.’

“Products with sweet flavours, colourful packaging, and appealing advertising are used to deceive and attract young people. We must put an end to this illusion. We need stronger regulations, firm public policies, and a society united in saying Enough is enough”, said Dr Fernanda Alves.

The WHO officer also warned of the devastating environmental effects of tobacco production, such as deforestation, water, air pollution and the generation of toxic waste, and reinforced the organization’s recommendations for curbing the smoking epidemic, including: a) A ban on flavours and additives that make products more attractive; b) A total ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship, including on social media; c) Regulation of design and packaging to reduce visual appeal; d) Continuous public education, with a focus on young people, about the real risks of consumption; e) Increased taxes on tobacco products; f) Easier access to smoking cessation services and addiction treatment; e) Strengthened enforcement of laws banning smoking in public places.

The ceremony ended with a tribute to the children and young people taking part, recognising their essential role in building a tobacco-free future: “Your creativity shows us that it is possible to dream of a world without tobacco. Your voice is powerful. Keep talking, creating, inspiring. You are the generation that can change the course of history”, said Dr Fernanda Alves.