Sierra Leone joined the rest of the world to commemorate World No Tobacco Day on 31 May 2024. The event was led by the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, in collaboration with partners including youth, religious, and the media organizations under the theme "Protecting children from tobacco industry interference."

To highlight tobacco use's profound health, social, economic, and environmental impacts, the Ministry of Health, supported by WHO, organized a week-long series of activities leading to No Tobacco Day from May 27-31, 2024. These included community outreach, awareness-raising campaigns, radio and television programs, advocacy initiatives, and a Youth Symposium to launch the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act.

This year's theme underscores the urgency of protecting children from tobacco interference, given the alarming trend of targeting youth. Engaging diverse stakeholders, including youth, parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies, is crucial to keeping the youth safe and healthy.

To combat these challenges, Sierra Leone has enacted the Comprehensive Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act 2022, incorporating key demand reduction strategies that align with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) provisions. The Act includes a 100% smoke-free policy banning smoking in all public places and workplaces, bans on all flavored tobacco and nicotine products and additives, and a total ban on tobacco advertisement, sponsorship, and promotion. It also prohibits the sale of single cigarette sticks and the sale of tobacco products to or by minors and mandates graphic health warnings on all tobacco product packages.

Globally, tobacco use is a significant public health issue linked to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer. In Sierra Leone, the impact is particularly severe among young people, who are targeted by the tobacco industry through flavored products, glamorous advertising, and social media influencers. This exploitation leaves children and adolescents highly susceptible to nicotine addiction, posing long-term health risks and undermining the well-being of future generations.

WHO is strengthening collaboration with other partners to increase public awareness and understanding of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act. Empowering individuals and communities to advocate for tobacco control measures has fostered broad support for the Act's enforcement.

Protecting children in Sierra Leone from nicotine addiction and the harmful effect of tobacco requires concerted efforts of the government, partners, and partners. WHO calls on all stakeholders to work together towards a healthier and more prosperous future, free from the devastating impacts of tobacco.

About tobacco

Tobacco is a uniquely destructive product, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually, including those caused by second-hand smoke. Beyond the staggering statistics, tobacco use significantly burdens healthcare systems and economies globally, leading to preventable diseases like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, the use of tobacco among young people often serves as a gateway to other harmful substances, exacerbating public health challenges.