The Zambia Consumers Association (ZACA) has commended the government for initiating the development of tobacco law that will domesticate the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Zambia ratified the Treaty in 2008, accordingly the country needs to domesticate the treaty through the enactment of a domestic law in order for the Treaty to have force.
ZACA Executive Secretary Juba Sakala tells Money FM News that the proposed Tobacco and Nicotine Products Act will reduce tobacco smoking and save lives.
“Even as we applauded this positive development we also urge Govt to demonstrate its unequivocal support for tobacco control by implementing and enforcing existing tobacco control regulations. Government should capacitate the Health Inspectors/Environmental Health Officers and other authorized officers by providing a conducive implementation/enforcement infrastructure so that smoke free provisions according to the Local Government,” said Mr. Sakala.
Mr. Sakala says it is important for Government to demonstrate its commitment to reinforcing smoke free laws.
“The Govt will have to prosecute offences if it wishes to encourage compliance. Failure to do this, the Public will question the relevance of developing and passing additional tobacco control regulations,” he said.
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