Sierra Leone is making great strides in its fight against tobacco use, which remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death in the country. A recent capacity-building workshop, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), empowered key government officials to develop effective tobacco taxation policies aimed at reducing consumption, increasing government revenue, and curbing the illicit trade in tobacco products. This workshop, held from July 29 to August 2, 2024, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance, National Revenue Authority (NRA), Customs Department, and the Ministry of Health.

The workshop was instrumental in strengthening Sierra Leone's capacity to implement progressive tobacco tax reforms. As a direct result of the training, officials developed a three-year incremental excise tax proposal designed to increase tobacco prices, reduce consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations like youth, and generate additional revenue for the government.

Dr. Sartie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of these efforts, stating, "The passing of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act in 2022 was a significant milestone for public health in Sierra Leone. However, the effective implementation of taxation policies will be crucial in further reducing tobacco consumption and its associated health risks. The Ministry of Health will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to regulate the demand and supply of tobacco products and ensure the successful enforcement of the Act."

The proposed tobacco tax reforms are expected to significantly reduce tobacco consumption and increase government revenue over the next three years. Tobacco sales volume is projected to decrease by 10% in 2025, 11% in 2026, and 14% in 2027, contributing to a substantial reduction in tobacco-related illnesses and deaths. At the same time, excise tax revenues are forecasted to rise by 106% in 2025, 126% in 2026, and 172% in 2027, providing vital resources for public health initiatives. These measures will also help combat illicit tobacco trade and align with global best practices from the WHO and World Bank, aiming to raise the total tax share on tobacco products to 75% of the retail price by 2027.

Tobacco use in Sierra Leone poses a substantial public health and economic burden. With a prevalence rate of 12.9%—one of the highest in the African region—tobacco use kills about 3,300 Sierra Leoneans annually and is estimated to cost the national health system SLE108 billion. The economic losses from premature death, disease, and disability are estimated at SLE404 billion per year, representing 1.5% of the country's 2017 GDP. This highlights the urgent need for stronger tobacco control measures.

Sierra Leone's tobacco control efforts received a boost with the passing of the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act in 2022, a landmark achievement for public health. However, there remains a pressing need to implement effective taxation policies to further reduce tobacco consumption and address the rising health risks associated with its use.

The World Health Organization played a crucial role in supporting Sierra Leone’s government in the organization and delivery of the three-day workshop. Through WHO's technical and financial assistance, participants were trained in tobacco taxation policy analysis and the use of the WHO Tax Simulation Model (WHO TaxSiM) to assess and model the impact of tax changes on tobacco consumption, revenue generation, and illicit trade. 

Mr. Idrissa Kanu, Director of Revenue and Tax Policy from the Ministry of Finance, emphasized the negative economic implications of tobacco use: "Tobacco not only poses a threat to public health but also drains the country's economy. By implementing effective taxation policies, we can reduce tobacco consumption and its harmful effects, while also boosting government revenue to support vital health initiatives."

WHO's involvement aligns with Article 6 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which encourages Parties to adopt and implement tax and price measures to reduce the demand for tobacco products. The organization’s technical support has been critical in equipping policymakers with the tools needed to design effective, evidence-based taxation policies that safeguard public health.

The workshop was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Finance, NRA, Customs Department, Ministry of Health, and WHO. These stakeholders worked together to assess the available data, including cigarette import volumes, prevailing prices, and taxes on the most sold brands in Sierra Leone. Mr. Kanu noted the critical role of international cooperation in the fight against tobacco use, saying, "WHO has been an invaluable partner in helping us build the capacity to address this public health challenge. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the measures recommended during the workshop."

The workshop concluded with key recommendations to strengthen Sierra Leone's tobacco control, including a three-year incremental excise tax reform, raising the nominal excise tax from SLE1.75 in 2024 to SLE9.5 in 2027 to reduce tobacco consumption and boost revenue. It also emphasized adjusting excise taxes annually for inflation, acceding to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, and establishing a tobacco control fund as per the Tobacco and Nicotine Control Act. 

WHO remains committed to supporting these efforts, working with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation for improved public health and economic growth.