Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of death globally, claiming millions of lives each year and burdening health systems with avoidable disease.

In 2022, 11.2% of Namibians aged 15 and over were smokers, with a significantly higher prevalence among men (19.2%) compared to women (4.0%). Youth tobacco use remains a significant concern, with 31.1% of those aged 13-15 using tobacco products. Namibia loses approximately 1,700 lives each year due to tobacco-related diseases and faces substantial economic costs. 

As a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Namibia commits to demand reduction measures related to tobacco dependence and cessation.    

Mrs Helen Mouton, Acting Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, emphasized the urgency of action and the importance of partnerships for effective tobacco cessation strategies. The need to act is evident. Evidence shows that half of all regular smokers will eventually die from smoking-related causes, with an average loss of 15 years of life. These are not just numbers; they represent lives cut short, potential unrealized, and families left grieving. The time to intervene is now, said Mrs Mouton during her welcome remarks.

She was addressing participants from various government ministries, including correctional facilities, the Namibian Police, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, private practitioners, and non-governmental organizations at a stakeholders' consultation meeting on the draft Tobacco Cessation Guidelines. The consultation aimed to benchmark the national Guidelines on Tobacco Cessation against the WHO Global Guidance and to utilize the expertise of addiction specialists from both government and the private sector.  

Nicotine contained in tobacco is highly addictive. Tobacco dependency not only causes physical withdrawal but also leads to lifelong addiction. Therefore, it should be recognized as a chronic condition. The Namibian government takes cognizance of this reality and, in partnership with WHO, prioritizes the development of effective measures to promote cessation of tobacco use and adequate treatment for tobacco dependence.  

The three-day consultation, supported by WHO, resulted in a draft National Cessation guide for additional review within the Ministry of Health.