In Burkina Faso, tobacco remains a significant public health crisis, claiming the lives of over 4,800 people annually, according to the 2017 Tobacco Atlas. Among these victims, approximately 1,300 are non-smokers who succumb to the effects of secondhand smoke. In response to this alarming situation, the government has intensified its efforts to combat this issue.
Last Wednesday, a new decree was adopted to regulate the packaging and labeling of tobacco products across the country.
Health Minister Dr. Lucien Kargougou explained that the revised decree aligns with the guidelines of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
This international treaty encourages member states to implement stricter measures, including plain packaging for tobacco products.
This approach prohibits the use of logos, attractive colors, brand images, or promotional text on packaging. Only the brand name and variant are allowed, printed in a standardized font and uniform color.
The government highlighted that the key innovations of the decree include the introduction of a single, matte color for cigarette packaging, making it less appealing. Additionally, at least 80% of the principal display areas on cigarette packs must feature illustrated health warnings.
These measures aim to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and reduce its appeal, particularly among young people.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen public health policies. Thanks to previous measures, smoking prevalence in Burkina Faso has significantly declined, dropping from 19.8% in 2013 to 13.6% in 2021.
However, tobacco continues to wreak havoc, underscoring the need for stricter regulations. The new decree marks a significant step forward in protecting the population by limiting exposure to tobacco products and encouraging reduced consumption.
It represents a crucial move to safeguard the health of current and future generations.
Papa IBRAHIMA
