The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: The problem of tobacco use in Tanzania is growing at an alarming rate similar to other developing countries. The government continues to promote tobacco as one of the important cash crops and, currently, 44,000 hectares (0.11% of agricultural land) is devoted to tobacco growing. Tanzania now produces 0.2% of the world tobacco overtaking South Africa to become Africa's third biggest producer, after Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Methods: Like other countries, Tanzania enacted the anti-smoking law under the “Tobacco Products (regulations) Act 2003”. The law prevents smoking in public places; selling tobacco to persons under 18; tobacco advertising on radio, TV and newspapers and, directs the setting up of special smoking areas at work places. Unfortunately, this law has never been enforced and, people have continued to breach it without being prosecuted.

Although tobacco control initiatives have been going on in Tanzania for years, the impact of these initiatives has not been felt, due to lack of co-ordination at national level. Available information on tobacco use and related problems is also scanty and, not sufficient to enable a well-planned and viable tobacco control programme.

Results: Realising the inefficiencies in tobacco control initiatives and, appreciating the growing problems of tobacco use, Tanzanians who attended the East African Workshop on Tobacco Control Initiatives in Nairobi, Kenya (4-9th November 2005), agreed to form the Tanzania Tobacco Control Forum, with the aim of curbing tobacco problems in the country. The Forum was officially launched on 8/11/2005. The mission, vision, aims and objectives of the Forum are highlighted.