BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: Zambia, with a high prevalence of tobacco use, faces significant challenges in developing effective tobacco control legislation. Since ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2008, the country has struggled with industry interference and limited resources. The tobacco industry's financial collaborations with the state have further complicated efforts to implement robust public health policies.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: The Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA), through its oversight of the Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Response team, has produced investigative reports that expose financial linkages between the government and major tobacco corporations. These findings indicate that the tobacco sector has received both financial and non-financial incentives, which have supported its expansion and operations within Zambia. Furthermore, TOFAZA's research has revealed that public pension funds have been allocated to the production of tobacco by a prominent tobacco company listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange. This scenario illustrates the profound connections between the government and the tobacco industry, presenting considerable obstacles to effective tobacco control initiatives in the nation.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: TOFAZA's intervention has significantly heightened awareness of the financial collaborations between the state and Big Tobacco. Their investigative reports exposed fiscal and non-fiscal incentives granted to the tobacco industry and public pension funds invested in tobacco manufacturing. This exposure, along with TOFAZA's input in the Tobacco Industry Interference Index Report for Zambia, has driven policy reforms and strengthened tobacco control measures, empowering youth-led advocacy and fostering long-term initiatives.
CONCLUSIONS: TOFAZA's efforts have unveiled the deep-rooted financial ties between the state and Big Tobacco, driving policy reforms and empowering youth-led advocacy. This comprehensive approach is essential for overcoming industry interference and ensuring effective tobacco control in Zambia.