Tobacco-related diseases kill 8m people annually –WHO

Dr. Fiona Braka on Tobacco-Related Deaths

Dr. Fiona Braka is the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Ghana. She stated that tobacco-related diseases cause about eight million deaths each year. This includes one million deaths from secondhand smoke globally. That means one person dies every four seconds due to tobacco use or exposure.

She spoke at the launch of the 2025 World No Tobacco Day celebration in Ho on Monday. Dr. Braka expressed concern about the rising use of flavored tobacco products. These products attract young people with their sweet taste and appealing designs.

“These products are a trap,” she said, warning they mislead and harm users. She emphasized that the global campaign reminds us of tobacco's health impacts and marketing strategies targeting youth.

According to WHO data, around 37 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 use tobacco worldwide. Content promoting e-cigarettes has over 3.4 billion views on social media, showing industry efforts to target youth.

Tobacco Use in Ghana

Dr. Braka noted that Ghana is not immune to this issue. The 2023 Ghana STEP survey shows that 4.8 percent of adults currently use tobacco products, with higher rates among men. Alarmingly, shisha use stands at 7.8 percent, affecting young people and women disproportionately.

She outlined WHO’s support for Ghana’s tobacco control efforts. This includes strengthening the National Tobacco Track and Trace System and developing a roadmap against illicit trade in tobacco products.

Dr. Braka called for further action in Ghana, urging a ban on all flavors in tobacco products and plain packaging laws. She also stressed the need for stronger enforcement against misleading terms like “mild” or “light.”

FDA's Perspective on Tobacco Use

Dr. Olivia Boateng is the Director of Tobacco and Substance Abuse at the FDA. She reported that while national tobacco use is at 4.8 percent, challenges remain with emerging products like shisha and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Among users, 9.3 percent are men while only 0.3 percent are women for combustible products.

However, shisha and ENDS usage is higher among young females at around 9.3 percent. “There is a dangerous misconception that flavored products like shisha are safer,” Dr. Boateng warned.

She explained these products contain nicotine and over 7,000 harmful chemicals, including carcinogens.

Efforts Against Unauthorized Products

Dr. Boateng mentioned that ENDS are banned in Ghana but still enter through unauthorized routes.
The FDA conducts surveillance and market inspections to seize unapproved products.
They also run public education campaigns to counter misinformation about these substances.

Pharmaceutical Society's Role

Dr. Ruby Biaku represents the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH). She highlighted substance abuse as a critical public health concern involving the pharmaceutical sector.
PSGH collaborates with FDA to train pharmacists on preventing misuse of controlled medicines.
Their public education initiatives extend to tertiary institutions, empowering students about tobacco risks.

“These efforts help prevent non-communicable diseases,” she added.

Government Commitment to Reducing Tobacco Use

Dr. Hafez Adam Taher spoke on behalf of the Minister of Health about government dedication to reducing tobacco use through regulatory actions.
Ghana has ratified WHO FCTC policies such as graphic health warnings and smoking bans in public places.
He mentioned projects like TOPAFA promoting smoke-free spaces.

“Tobacco products are deadly; they entrap users,” he said.
He assured continued government support for enforcing control measures against tobacco use.
He called on all stakeholders—health workers, civil society, and media—to promote tobacco control messages within communities.
“Together let us create a future where tobacco has no place in our society,” he concluded.

From Michael Foli Jackidy, Ho
GNA