Mozambique’s parliament has approved a comprehensive tobacco control law imposing strict limits on the sale, advertising and use of tobacco and nicotine products, in a move aimed at reducing the country’s disease burden.
The legislation, adopted by consensus, expands regulation to cover electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, vapour products and other emerging nicotine delivery systems.
The new law aligns Mozambique with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a global public health treaty that requires member states to implement measures to curb tobacco consumption and protect people from exposure to smoke.
Officials said the legislation strengthens enforcement by establishing a broad legal framework for smoke-free environments, product restrictions and public health safeguards.
Presenting the bill, Justice Minister Mateus Saíze said tobacco use remains a major health challenge, contributing to cancers, congenital disorders, premature births and other chronic diseases.
He warned that smokeless tobacco, often promoted as a safer alternative, poses equal or greater health risks, including cancers of the mouth, oesophagus and pancreas.
Saíze said, “The economic toll is equally severe, costing the country an estimated 11.7 billion meticais (about $182 million) annually, or 1.3 per cent of GDP, through health-care expenses and productivity losses linked to illness and premature deaths.”
Government data shows tobacco-related illnesses kill about 9,400 people annually in Mozambique, accounting for 3.5 per cent of all deaths, with most occurring among people under 70.
AP
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