Kenya: BAT's loss on tobacco regulations a win for health ministry

High Court judge, Mumbi Ngugi has adopted the proposed regulations on the control of the manufacture, sale and advertisement of tobacco products.

On her ruling, Ms. Ngugi directed that the regulations become effective in six months time.

This ruling is considered a major win for the Ministry of Health that was at the forefront of developing the regulations.

The tobacco company had moved to challenge the regulations in the high court, citing that they were in bad faith and only sought to interfere with their tobacco business.

The adoption of the new regulations will govern the size of health warnings on cigarette packages as well as its advertising.

Mrs. Hilda Ochefu’s working visit to Cameroon

The sub-regional responsible for West Africa and Cameroon from the American NGO « Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids” came to inquire about the status of tobacco control in Cameroon.

Mrs Hilda Ochefu with C3T members

A tobacco producing country, Cameroon has an extrovert cigarette market of close to 90%. With more than 1 million smokers and its geographical position which places it at the heart of the Central Africa and enables at the same time to assure a connection with West Africa, Cameroon, is a bastion of Tobacco Control in Central Africa.

It is with this challenge that Mrs Hilda Ochefu, the West African responsible for the American NGO “Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids” came to feel the reality of tobacco control in Africa in miniature. During her stay from 16-19^th February, 2016), Mrs. Hilda Ochefu held numerous working meetings with actors of the civil society, the government and the parliament.

Tabagime: les secrets pour ne pas rechuter

Quand on arrête de fumer, pas facile de garder le cap après les trois premiers mois. Il faut relever un nouveau défi : celui de tenir ses bonnes résolutions. Pour éviter les pièges de la rechute, voici les conseils des spécialistes.

Je continue à me faire aider
Vous n’arrivez pas à vous passer des substituts ? Pas de stress. « L’arrêt brutal et trop rapide des apports de nicotine peut provoquer des perturbations pénibles - irritabilité, manque de concentration - qui vont conduire plus ou moins rapidement à la reprise. Et les échecs diminuent la motivation : c’est un cercle vicieux » constate le Dr Anne-Laurence Le Faou, responsable du Centre de tabacologie de l'Hôpital européen Georges Pompidou à Paris. Le Dr Philippe Presle, tabacologue à Paris conseille de ne pas arrêter les substituts (gommes, patchs à la nicotine) trop tôt. Et d’y revenir même si l’on a arrêté quelques semaines plus tôt. Il ne faut pas craindre non plus les médicaments comme le Zyban® ou le Champix® qui sont prescrits sur ordonnance uniquement. L’essentiel est d’éviter de reprendre la cigarette ! 

Cameroon: with increasing smoke-free environments

To reduce the harmful effects of smoking, Cameroonian public places are developing the concept of smoke-free zones. Concept admired by people who frequent these places.

It is noon, it's break time in Yaounde. At Socropole, a bistro located in the neighborhoodof Ngousso, the service responsible and servers are busy to satisfy all customers who wish to enjoy the break to build up. Particular situation, the structure is non-smoking. Sign prohibiting smoking is also known to all clients.

The structure made an original choice at a time when tobacco control is in its full swing. "We have decided to ban cigarettes for the comfort of our customers," said anonymously by the manager of the structure. Like him, many public places (restaurants, bistros, bars and schools, public transport vehicles ...) by the city of seven hills trying this experience for economic or personal reasons.

In the regions, the problem of smoking also concerns promoters of recreational and leisure spaces. In the town of Dschang for example, we notice the creation of hotels (Mbouho Star Palace, Météo Palace) smoke-free and non-smoking night clubs. According to the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco (C3T) "We need to encourage these spontaneous initiatives. For there are now dissatisfied customers, who wishto eat and drink without being bothered by cigarette smoke," says Dr. Flore NDEMBIYEMBE, President of the C3T.

Cameroon: The economy plumed by tobacco clandestine businesses

Counterfeit, illicit habits, false brands and low cost:cigarette traffic explodes, boosted by the cruel appetite of the tobacco industry. A parallel market which contributes to the fortune of mafia groups.

Yaounde urban council, the sky is obscure and the air is fresh, Robert in his twenties stops by a shopon the public path. In this shop, he does his credit transfer and buys a packet of cigarette. The park given to him carries no fiscal stamp, but for Robert, only his toxic dosage matters. Like Robert, many other tobacco users buy counterfeited products regularly.

Indeed, for the past two weeks, retail stands have been overwhelmed by counterfeited cigarettes and low cost brands, not respecting the regulating laws in Cameroon. This rise in counterfeit and illicit behavior activities around tobacco products is not without consequences on the economy.

According to a research conducted by the ‘Groupement Inter-Patronal du Cameroun’ (GICAM), almost 29% of cigarette sales emanates from counterfeit sources. The same study reveals that tax loses and customs loses related to illicit trade of tobacco amounts to almost 4 Billion Fcfa for the year 2006.

The tobacco industry: illegal advertisement to recruit new smokers.

Between flashy packs, cigarette girls, advertisement posters and communication gadgets, the tobacco industry is running an offensive to recruit new consumers.

Decisively, the tobacco industry is not missing out an opportunity to render Cameroon smoky and deathly. Indeed, new advertisement campaigns are launched and new cigarette brands are making their way into the market. The latest brand is "ESSE" available on expositions two weeks ago. Produced by Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation (KT&G), this brand is subject of a large promotion campaign in Yaounde city. The campaign to make known the brand is more visible within the university neighborhoods. This is the case of SOA town where we observed the random advertisement, posters with gadgets (umbrellas…).

Tobacco use: the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco(C3T) raise awareness amongst youths of Yaounde III

Within the framework of the sensitization and prevention activities around tobacco use, the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco, went to meet the youths of Yaounde III.

Meeting with International Association of Students

 in Economics and Management (AIESEC)

Thus, the 25th August 2015, the association striving towards the building of a Cameroon free from diseases and deaths related to tobacco, with the support of the Ministry of Public health, a peer education workshop with associations of Yaounde III. Objective, educating them to be backup as peer educators whom on their part will sensitize others on tobacco use dangers.

Led by the young and dynamic team of C3T peer educators, the discussions were based on the following topics: tobacco and its constituents, its fabrication, tobacco and health, tobacco and sporting activities, how to stop smoking, and the right to turn down the first cigarette.

The popularization of GATS - Cameroon: the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco on all fronts

With the aim of popularizing the results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco is implementing an intensive communication campaign.

GATS, this word spilled much ink and saliva in Cameroon. Indeed, this is the center of discussion within media programs, educative and professional encounters...

Fruits of the informative campaign implemented by the C3T, this multiple subject on the GATS have as objective to inform policy makers and the population on the current situation of the tobacco epidemic in Cameroon, so that adequate measures are taken to ensure quality tobacco control in Cameroon

Direct Communication

Also with the aim of ameliorating the perceptions and comprehension of this survey, a multisectoral meeting on this results was presided by the Ministry of public health. Information workshops on the GATS results were organized to attract the interest of civil society organizations and journalists. Press coffee workshops organized by the C3T, gave an advantage to the press towards the better use of the results related to tobacco use in Cameroon. Communications on GATS Cameroon were equally published in the press and social media.

Mass communication

These actions led to the regular treatment of the GATS topic in media. Also, within the period from June to September 2015, about ten corresponding’s were made on this subject.Cameroon-tribune (le quotidian pro-governmental) they even dedicated one of their editorials. Talk-shows were equally made on this subject.

Ministry of Public Health: How to ameliorate tobacco control

United around the minister of public health and the civil society during a multisectoral encounter, public administration and civil society study the problem of tobacco use in Cameroon. Objective of the meeting of September 09^th 2015, the amelioration of tobacco control in Cameroon.

Presided by the minister of public health, this encounter saw the participation of about 30 representatives of administrations and organizations concerned by the putting in place of anti-tobacco measures in Cameroon.

With regards to his luminary proposals, the minister of public health made known that this encounter will facilitate working on tobacco control measures to be taken in relation to the results and the conclusions of the Global Adult Tobacco (GATS-2013) survey. Strong and alarming results, the minister of public health notified that to reduce the ravage caused by tobacco use in our country, a strong tobacco control law in accordance with the FCTC was forwarded to the government. But while waiting for its outcome, measures to reduce exposition to tobacco use needs to be implemented by all administrations.

Information: GATS-Cameroon results presented to journalists.

An information workshop with journalists on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey results (GATS-2013), the recommendations of the FCTC proposed anti-tobacco law bill, this took place on the 08^th of September 2015 in Yaounde, in the presence of the chief of service of tobacco control at the ministry of public health.

Organized by the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco(C3T), this workshop falls within the framework of the popularization of the GATS results, enabling the Cameroonian press to have sufficient information on the situation of tobacco use in Cameroon. "The press is a powerfuleducative instrument, reason for which we have consulted the present historians you are in this workshop, to put to your disposal more elements for the better treatment of issues related tobacco issues" explained by Dr Flore Ndembiyembe before adding: "The GATS-Cameroon is the first survey on tobacco use in adults, this enables the better orientation of advocacy towards the best c Thus the importance of rendering these results popular.

During this gathering, the press was equally enlightened on the situation of tobacco control in Cameroon, the proposed tobacco control bill…

C3T:Visit into the heart of the first smoke-free council in Cameroon

Monday 17th August 2015, The Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco(C3T) visited the Bamenda 1 Council. Objective, being to meet the local authorities and observe the implementation of this decision that rendered this council smoke-free.

Caroline Bi Bongwa, Mayor of the Bamenda 1 Council,
first smoke-free council in Cameroon

This visit was an opportunity for Elvis Ndikum the Campaign Officer with the C3T, to follow-up the effective implementation of the decision rendering this locality a smoke-free zone. This done by the pasting of stickers with signs that prohibit smoking.

During this visit, Caroline Bi Bongwa, Mayor of the Bamenda 1 Council thanked the C3T and its partners towards their actions in the implementation of this decision within the council. She did mention of the fact that some of the communication materials produced by the C3T were transferred to the authorities of the North West region. The mayor took the engagement to support actions towards tobacco control, while ensuring the good health of populations. She encourages other councils to emulate the example of Bamenda I. This will go ahead to protect the health of populations against the exposition to tobacco smoke.

Mobilization: presentation of GATS-Cameroon results to the civil society

Fifteen (15) associations of the civil society participated during an information workshop on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey results (GATS-2013), tobacco control and the proposed tobacco control bill, on Thursday 20th August 2015 in Yaounde.

In the presence of the representative of the ministry of public health and the press, the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco (C3T) presented to the Cameroonian civil society the results of « Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2013)». With regards to this survey realized amongst Cameroonian adults:

-          1 100 000 million adults are tobacco users ;

-          19,2% of adults are exposed to tobacco smoke at work ;

-          22,9% of adults who took public transport are exposed to tobacco smoke ;

-          80,4% of adults are in favor of the prohibition of smoking inside confined public places.

According to the participants present during this gathering, the knowledge and conclusions on the results of GATS will lead a better orientation of action against tobacco across the country and to best support advocacy towards the adoption of a strong anti-tobacco law.

Cameroon: Launching a project for the adoption of a strong tobacco control law

The project  " Advocacy towards intensifying the support and acceleration of the adoption of a tobacco control law that reflects to the FCTC in Cameroon ", this was launched on the 04^th of August 2015 in the office of the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco (C3T) in Yaounde, in the presence of members of the civil society, and representatives of the Ministry of Public Health.

Financed by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids(CTFK), this project is different given the implication of the Ministry of Public Health in the implementation of many actions. During this launching of activities, the project was presented to members of the C3T, while facilitating its understanding and a better cohesion of actions within the realization of the activities.

As we can notice from the name, this project will focus on “Particular emphasis on advocacy for the adoption of a strong tobacco control law in Cameroon. The sensitization on the harmful effects of tobacco will be encouraged to reach the largest public possible ", explained by Dr Flore Ndembiyembe, President of the C3T.

Cameroon : An eldorado for the tobacco industry

The strategies used by cigarette suppliers to conquer new consumers in Cameroon seems fruitful, from free distribution of their products and even the use of media to stimulate consumption.

The tobacco industry at the moment is initiating an offensive in order to increase its profits and render the Cameroonian population more dependent on tobacco. In effect, we notice almost every week the appearance of a new cigarette brand. This action of the industry is supported by an aggressive marketing at the four angles of the country.

In Yaounde for example, “cigarettes girls” are paid to parade night clubs, snacks and public places. This is to excite youths to smoke cigarettes with really strange names. Recently, the innovation has been free testing. Actually, to implement newly imported brands, the strategies consist of: Proximity trade deposits, shops, stalls and other cartridges cigarettes of brand X. These cigarettes are offered for free to any person who wants to get cigs or smoke. Smoking is free here. The only restriction to this tasting is the deposit of packs at the sales point, who will latter transfer it to the tobacco company for payment".

Observing keenly this new strategy reveals that each cartridge has 3 series of free testing’s before starting the sales of a new product. According to

I am not the puppet of a cigarette: The laureates are known

The prize handing ceremony on the contest “I am not the puppet of a cigarette” that took place on the 28th May 2015 in Yaounde.

The laureates

There are about forty projects that were subject to a thorough study within this competitions jury. According to Monique Ngo Mayag, the reporter of the jury, “This is the selection of interesting and mature messages that the candidates submitted to the appreciation of the jury”. After 04 hours of deliberations, the laureates are officially known:

§  1st prize: Bessawa Mpondo Léopoldine, form 3 student from Francois-Xavier Vogt College.

§  2^nd prize: Sissako Sonia, form 5 student in Jean Tabi college.

§  3^rd prize: Sokoudjou Ngutchou Linda, form 5 student in Jean Tabi college.

§  The special prize of the jury was awarded to Bassong Elouga Andréa-Morris, a form 1 student for the quality and pertinence of her message.

Organized by the Cameroon Coalition to Counter Tobacco during this year World No Tobacco Day 2015, the contest of the best tobacco prevention message, wish to create a discouraging environment to tobacco and implicate adolescents in the prevention of this scourge amongst youths.

Elvis Ndikum: For their health, for their kids, for their families and for our environment, the young people should quit smoking

You are one of Cameroonian who took part in the Youth Conference The 16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health. How do you feel after this experience?

The 16^th World Conference on Tobacco or Health from 17-21 March 2015 in Abu Dhabi had 74 delegates for the Pre-Youth Conference coming from 40 countries. I am honored to have been selected amongst the two Cameroonians that represented Cameroon for the youth Conference. I feel motivated but accountable and more enlightened on what we as youths in Cameroon need to do so far as tobacco control is concerned.Tobacco control amongst youths in Cameroon is not visible or active. I have a feeling of responsibility while still in Abu Dhabi that I will be implementing and sharing my experiences gained to Cameroonian youths and use all strategies as much as possibleto eradicate tobacco amongst youths and the Cameroonian population.

Kenya to introduce pictorial health warnings

Cigarette manufacturers, distributors and importers will not be allowed to put brand names or trademarks on cigarette packages and wrappers starting June this year.

According to the new Tobacco Control Regulations 2014 published by the Ministry of Health on Monday, the cigarette packages will instead carry health warnings and pictograms on the front and back respectively.

“A person shall not manufacture, sell, distribute or import a tobacco product for sale in Kenya, whose package carries a name, brand name, text, trademark or pictorials or any representation or sign which suggest that the tobacco product is less harmful to health rather than other tobacco,” a section of the regulations stated.

The pictogram is required to be printed in full colour, contrasting with the background to ensure noticeability while the health warning messages will be printed in black and white.

The health warning message on the front of the package will be printed in English while the back package will be in Kiswahili.

High smoking rate in Cameroon

A study carried out has revealed that over one million Cameroonians aged 15 years and above are active smokers.

By Eleanor Ayuketah / Crtv

This analysis was made public recently in Yaounde as outcome of a survey carried out in 2013 by the National Institute of Statistics under the framework of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS).

Other alarming statistics indicate that 15 per cent of the active smokers started smoking before the age of 15.

The Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda mentioned that the study will help the Ministry reorganise its strategy in the fight against tobacco.

A WHO resident – representative, Dr Charlotte Faty Ndiaye explained that since tobacco is a silent killer, there is a need to work with children in order to prevent tobacco consumption at their level.

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) was carried out by National Institute of Statistics with coordination from the Ministry of Public Health. The Ministry was technically assisted in the endeavour by the WHO.

Lutte anti tabac :pourquoi faut-il adopter une loi au Cameroun

Elle porte sur des mesures visant la réduction du nombre de fumeurs. Les explications la Coalition camerounaise contre le Tabac.

17,5% de la population sont fumeurs de tabac au Cameroun. Une forte partie de la population se trouve dépendante de cette drogue douce, et les plus jeunes ne sont pas épargnés. D'après les chiffres communiqués par la Coalition camerounaise contre le tabac (C3T), « 6,4% d'élèves ont reçu des cigarettes gratuites des représentants de compagnies de tabac. En milieu scolaire, 44% d'élèves ont déjà eu un premier contact avec le tabac. » Une exposition des plus jeunes à l'emprise de la cigarette, qui n’est pas sans incidence sur leur avenir raison pour laquelle la C3T milite pour l’adoption d’une loi anti tabac au Cameroun.
En effet, cette loi, en plus de protéger les jeunes et les enfants, veut préserver la santé des fumeurs passifs, ces personnes qui cohabitent ou sont souvent en contact avec des fumeurs. Toujours selon le rapport de la C3T, « deux tiers des maladies cardiovasculaires sont liées au tabagisme passif. Chaque année, l'exposition au tabagisme passif est responsable de plus de 600.000 décès prématurés. » La loi anti-tabac veut assurer la santé de ces fumeurs passifs, par exemple grâce à la création d'espaces non-fumeurs dans les lieux publics. Cependant, les défenseurs de cette loi sont confrontés aux arguments des grandes firmes de l'industrie du tabac.

Cameroon: tobacco growing subsidy, towards the enforcement of the FCTC provisions

After the arrest of a Senator, the Prime Minister commits himself to implement the provisions of the FCTC on tobacco growing.

Overview of the Cameroonian parliament

During the Plenary Session on questions to the government on December 11, Senator NGALLI NGOA Pierre Henri asked him to explain the funding of tobacco growing in Cameroon (500 million CFA francs in 2013), while the Cameroon has ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Indeed, the State is officially engaged in tobacco control, but allocates at the same time significant subsidies to tobacco farmers. This has often led civil society to express its indignation in various forms, among which whistleblowing with parliamentarians and members of government.

After a lively debate about the tobacco growing subsidy in Cameroon, the Prime Minister, and Head of Government stated that the provisions of the FCTC