ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s robust regulatory framework and monitoring efforts have successfully reduced the number of cigarette smokers nationwide, according to the latest Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS).
The 2024 GATS shows a decrease in tobacco use, with the percentage of adult smokers dropping from 5% in the 2016 survey to 4.6% in the current one. In addition, the prevalence of second-hand smoke exposure in the workplace has significantly declined, falling from 29.3% in 2016 to 19.8% in 2024.
Further data highlights a substantial drop in second-hand smoke exposure in public spaces. In 2016, 60.4% of individuals visiting bars and nightclubs and 31.1% of those dining at restaurants were exposed to second-hand smoke. By 2024, these figures have decreased to 20.2%.
Additionally, the percentage of female smokers has seen a sharp decline, from 1.2% in 2016 to just 0.5% in 2024.
Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority Director General Heran Gerba attributed these positive outcomes to the country’s steadfast commitment and comprehensive efforts in tobacco control. Key milestones include the ratification of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2014, the privatization of the tobacco industry in 2016, and the enactment of the Tobacco Control Proclamation 1112/2019, which aligns with the WHO FCTC.
“The Ethiopian government’s strong political commitment to safeguarding the health of its citizens from tobacco-related harm is evident,” Heran said. “Measures such as the prohibition of smoking in all public spaces, including indoor areas, workplaces, and public transportation, and the ban on all forms of direct and indirect tobacco advertising have been instrumental in this success.”
Ethiopia has also implemented strict regulations on e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products, alongside substantial taxation on tobacco products. The country mandates that 70% of cigarette packaging be covered with rotating health warnings every two years, reinforcing the message of the dangers of tobacco use.
Health State Minister Dereje Deguma (MD) highlighted that while Ethiopia has made significant progress, tobacco remains a serious public health issue, with over 17,000 tobacco-related deaths annually. As of now, approximately 5% of Ethiopia’s population smokes.
Despite the progress, tobacco continues to pose challenges to public health. To further reduce smoking rates and protect citizens’ health, the government plans to intensify the enforcement of smoke-free policies, improve support for smoking cessation, raise tobacco taxes, and launch awareness campaigns. The government is also committed to expanding research and monitoring efforts and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration to combat tobacco use effectively.
“Continued action is crucial in addressing the health burden caused by tobacco,” Dereje concluded. “We will maintain our efforts to protect the health of our citizens and create a healthier, smoke-free future for Ethiopia.”
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 4 APRIL 2025
