South Africa: SA Cannot End TB While Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction Go Unchecked
Professor Lekan Ayo-Yusuf argues that South Africa must pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill to combat TB.Summary
Professor Lekan Ayo-Yusuf asserts that South Africa cannot successfully end tuberculosis (TB) or protect people living with HIV without addressing tobacco and nicotine addiction. He highlights that smoking weakens immune responses and increases TB risks, noting that for some HIV-positive individuals in South Africa, smoking may decrease life expectancy more than the virus itself. The author expresses concern over the rise of vaping and nicotine products targeting youth, dismissing industry claims of "harm reduction."
He urges Parliament to pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which seeks to regulate packaging, advertising, and smoke-free zones. Ayo-Yusuf argues that industry opposition—based on claims of illicit trade and job losses—is a distraction, as illicit trade is a governance issue and the economic burden of smoking-related diseases far outweighs the perceived economic loss. He concludes that passing the bill is an urgent necessity to protect public health and future generations.
(Source：allAfrica.com)
