Tobacco's Toll: The Burning Crisis We Can't Ignore

To be honest, when many Africans consider health issues, they typically think about malaria, typhoid, or perhaps hypertension. However, conditions like lung cancer, emphysema, and smoking-related heart attacks aren't commonly discussed. The reality though—is that this scenario is shifting rapidly.

Tobacco consumption is increasingly infiltrating the daily routines of more Africans, accompanied by an influx of illnesses we're unprepared to handle. These include preventable ailments such as cancer, stroke, respiratory issues, and cardiac disorders—conditions that could gradually become commonplace unless action is taken immediately.

There was a time when Africa was considered "shielded" from the tobacco crisis. This perception stemmed from lower smoking rates relative to those in Western nations. Various factors contributed to this phenomenon: many individuals could not afford cigarettes, local traditions discouraged smoking, and major tobacco corporations had not yet targeted the region for marketing efforts.

However, today? The rules have altered.

Cigarettes and vaping devices are becoming commonplace from street corners in Lagos to scenes in music videos across Johannesburg. Tobacco promotions appear explicitly or subtly in locations frequented by youth. In numerous neighborhoods, children can easily purchase a single cigarette at local stores without drawing any attention.

As the figures rise, so does the danger of illnesses caused by tobacco use, which has the potential to wreak havoc on households, deplete healthcare resources, and shorten lifespans.

To grasp the situation better, one should examine what occurs when individuals from Africa relocate overseas. Research conducted recently by Dr. Jerome Nriagu, a Nigeria-born physician now residing in the U.S., has provided insights into this matter.

Nriagu’s research examined the disparities in smoking behaviors among individuals born in the United States compared to those from other nations such as Nigeria who later relocated to the U.S. The findings were quite revealing. Upon arriving in America, immigrants generally tend to smoke significantly less than native-born Americans. This difference can be attributed to growing up in environments where tobacco use is less prevalent and socially acceptable. However, following several years of living in the U.S., these newcomers gradually adopt new customs and lifestyles. Over time, this includes taking up practices like smoking which they previously avoided.

This phenomenon is known as acculturation. The longer you reside in a new location, the higher the chance of integrating into that culture. Occasionally, this can also lead to picking up unfavorable practices.

Nriagu's findings highlight how significantly culture influences smoking habits. When living in surroundings saturated with tobacco use—where lighting up is commonplace and potential dangers go unmentioned—it can become quite easy to view this behavior as standard practice. Once such behaviors normalize, they grow increasingly resistant to change.

Consider what this implies for Africa. This transformation is underway throughout the continent. Smoking is not only an activity reserved for elderly men in villages; it’s turning into a fashion statement. You can see it featured in Nollywood movies. Music celebrities showcase it on their Instagram accounts. University students are taking up vaping, and flavored tobacco products are packaged to resemble sweets rather than lethal substances.

The tobacco industry is fully aware of its actions. As stricter regulations emerge in Europe and America, they are shifting their focus towards emerging markets—with Africa being at the forefront of this strategy.

Without proper caution, we might witness smoking becoming as prevalent here as it once was in Western countries. Even more troubling, this could lead to an increase in tobacco-induced illnesses that our healthcare systems may struggle to manage effectively.

Let’s talk about what is at stake. Smoking is linked to a host of deadly and debilitating conditions—lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, stroke, mouth and throat cancers, and even complications with diabetes and tuberculosis. These are not distant issues anymore. The World Health Organisation estimates that over 1.3 million people in Africa could die every year from tobacco-related illnesses by 2030 if nothing changes.

A significant part of our vulnerability stems from inadequate or poorly implemented tobacco control laws in numerous African nations. For example, Nigeria has ratified global accords such as the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, aimed at safeguarding public health against tobacco-related risks. However, actual implementation falls short; cigarettes stay affordable, advertisements proliferate unchecked, schools seldom inform students about the perils of smoking, and resources for those seeking cessation assistance are scarce. This combination creates an ideal environment for widespread tobacco use.

The industry understands this reality, which explains the increasing investments in African markets. There is also a rise in subtler forms of advertisement. Products are being developed with an emphasis on attracting younger demographics. As the West becomes increasingly aware of the dangers posed by tobacco and begins to counteract these effects, the industry is simply seeking out fresh territories for expansion.

Despite the challenges, there remains hope. By taking immediate action, we have the opportunity to halt this tide before it completely overwhelms us. Urgently required are stringent regulations—including higher taxes on tobacco products, an outright ban on all forms of advertisement, and strict measures to deny access to minors. However, legislation will only get us so far. It’s crucial for people to receive comprehensive information. There must be extensive public awareness campaigns emphasizing that smoking is neither fashionable nor benign; rather, it poses grave dangers. Parents should discuss the hazards with their children, educators ought to incorporate such dialogues within school curriculums, and community figures like religious leaders and celebrities could leverage their influence to convey powerful messages regarding the significance of health.

We must also assist those who have already developed an addiction. Kicking the habit isn’t simple, particularly when smoking serves as a way to handle stress. However, with appropriate support such as counseling, quitline services, or access to nicotine replacement therapies, individuals can overcome their dependence daily.

Young individuals should be central to this battle. Currently, they represent the largest demographic targeted by the tobacco industry. From flavored vape pens to stylish designs, everything aims to hook younger audiences as soon as possible. To safeguard the future of our nation, protecting these young influencers is crucial.

Tobacco-related ailments spread gradually like a wildfire creeping across parched fields. It is visible; the consequences are clear. Should we fail to take action promptly, this blaze might spiral beyond our control. Nriagu’s work transcends mere statistics—it serves as both an alarm and a roadmap. The plight faced by African emigrants overseas has begun to unfold domestically as well. By allowing such trends to persist unchecked, we risk witnessing an escalation in sicknesses and fatalities that were preventable. However, should we intervene swiftly and cooperatively, we stand a chance at reversing these dire circumstances.

There’s no need to wait for the figures to confirm what we know. It’s time to take action right away.

• Michael, who works as a public affairs analyst, penned his thoughts from Abuja.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).