• Ban smashed tobacco locally known as Insunko.
• There is a high possibility that it causes Cervical Cancer.
• Zambia is second to Tanzania on Worldwide prevalence of Cervical Cancer.

Tobacco-Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA) has called for a ban of smashed tobacco locally known as Insunko, as there is a high possibility that it causes Cervical Cancer.
Association Health Expert Dr. Teddy Mulenga told Money FM News that currently, Zambia is second to Tanzania on Worldwide prevalence of Cervical Cancer.
Dr. Mulenga said Insuko is a herb belonging to a group called Smokeless Tobacco Products of which in Zambia, it is made from smashed or powdered tobacco mixed with ash.
Dr. Mulenga noted that according to a study done in Zambia in 2017 to 2019, Insuko contains high quantities of Nicotine which is highly addictive.
“Zambia must consider banning Insuko. The combined action of these cancer causing elements in Insuko such as Arsenic, Cadmium and Chromium are first grade Carcinogenic that can lead to mouth cancers, throat cancers, cervical cancer, can damage testicular cells resulting in male infertility,” Dr. Mulenga said .
He added that it has not been scientifically proven that the use of Insuko treats Hypertension and lowers blood Sugar.
“Pregnancy is not spared as we see plenty of spontaneous abortions preterm labour, low birth weight infants, congenital foetal abnormalities, miscarriages, in women using Insuko. It is time to ban the production and use of Insuko in Zambia,”he stated.
He further said research has revealed that the strongest Insuko comes from Chipata, Mwense and Mpika regions of Zambia.