Nthanda Times

Blessings Tambala

  • Malawi’s Prophet Kambale’s church attracts international congregants: “We come to receive our share of true anointing, healing and prophecies”

    Foreign Christians have started flocking to Life International Church in Lilongwe where they say they have their share of anointing, healing and prophecies from Prophet Amos Kambale.

    Kambale is the founder and overseer of the church, which he prophetically dubbed ‘international’ at its launch in 2016. By the time he was launching the church, there were just a few local members.

    But now, the church has started receiving Christians from other countries such as Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa and Kenya.

    Prophet Kambale continues to win souls for Christ
    Prophet Kambale continues to win souls for Christ

    Two weeks ago, two Mozambicans travelled all the way from Tete to be healed from their diseases.

    The two were all healed even before the prophet touched them. One had left side stroke, which was causing him to have difficulties in walking. Right in the service, the man was seen jumping around testifying what God had done for him through Prophet Kambale’s ministry.

    It happened so quickly before he was prayed for. The other one had sharp pains for 11 years in his right arm so that he could not use it to hold anything. But lo and behold, right in the service he was able to swing that same arm without feeling any pain even demonstrably holding some weight.

    A week later, a Zambian woman, who claims that she was divorced six times due to her barrenness, visited the church. Holding a child in her hand, she testified that she got the baby after Prophet Kambale prayed for her 15-year-old barrenness two years ago.

    This time, she came due to mysterious strange movements in her body, which were healed just by being present in the service even before the prophet prayed for her. It was a strange disease that made her cross the borders after four hospitals in Zambia failed to assist her.

    But what is pulling people to Life International Church?

    Different people have different reasons as why they patronise Prophet Kambales church. We got hold of a few individuals at the end of the service. 

    A young man who seemed passionate about the preaching at the end of the service, he had this to say, “I was jobless for five years after graduating from LUANAR in 2019, I thought life was useless. In fact, I was even contemplating of committing suicide due to my hopelessness because of lack of job. I tried everything, but it did not work. I started attending Prophet Kambale’s services in February this year. His teachings were so unique from what I heard as sermons before, they were giving me hope. In March, I was called for two interviews and in April I secured a job. Now am working, I can see the future. The prophet has given me life line. Now I can think of marriage. I used to hate anyone who is called a prophet, but I have been helped by Prophet Kambale. And Prophet Kambale is a different breed of Prophet. His teachings are practical and life changing.”

    A businessman from Area 25 had this to say

    You see I have a maize mill which was only making a maximum of K9, 000 per day. I did not believe what I saw when the Monday after people were just coming and he made K50, 000 for the first time! Such a jump.

    I had a wound that was not healing for 2 years. The wound was persistently producing pus and water.  I had to walk with handkerchief. I tried hospitals (finished 3 health passports along the way) and herbalists but to no avail. I only attended Prophet Kambale’s service once. That night i slept so well with no pain for the first time. And the following morning the wound dried up! Am amazed. I can’t stop attending.

    What baffles many is that when one visits the church there are all classes of people, as depicted by their means of transportation. One is clearly greeted by cars, motor bikes,  bicycles and some even attached the services walking 10s of kilometers just to be in the service Prophet Kambale is preaching. You see this is the work of the Holy Spirit. We have people travelling from Ntcheu, Kasungu, Mzuzu Blantyre coming just to attend our services. There is something invisible about the divine so strong that makes people travel such long distances. It is the power of the Holy Spirit.

    A lady from Salima was diabetic, hypertension and had arthritis. She was lying on the floor, lifeless, throughout the service. She came being held by people on both sides. When prophet Kambale stretched his hands towards her she began shaking by the power of God. Immediately she stood up, stood, walked and danced by herself to the amazement of everyone.

    The prophet preaches messages that resonates very well with our conditions and he is offering instant solutions to the sick, the demon oppressed, the broken marriages and poor are getting wisdom and grace for money. The prophet is our solution. And we are appreciating that more people should realise the gift that the prophet is to this nation and this region.

    Congregants at Life International Church receiving anointing and healing during prayers at Mbinzi CDSS Hall in Lilongwe

    Last month, the prophet claimed that he raised a baby in her mother’s womb whom two hospitals declared dead in the womb. After the prophet offered prayers, the baby was delivered alive.

    This Sunday the 9th April, Prophet Kambale has dubbed his service Sunday of Instant Miracles, which he said people should come prepared in mind to see prompt healings, deliverance, prosperity and above all spiritual lives uplifted.

    The church congregates in Mbinzi Community Day Secondary School Hall in Area 3 in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.

  • Global clinicians, physicians body backs industrial action by Malawi healthcare workers

    The Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) has added its voice to the decision by the Physician Assistants Union of Malawi (PAUM) and Nurses Union of Malawi (NONM) to call for nationwide strike over poor wages.

    Efforts by the Ministry of Health to avert the industrial action failed last week as negotiations between the government, through the Ministry of Health, and representatives of healthcare workers, could not yield the much-desired results.

    It is worth noting that efforts to resolve these issues began in November 2023, with the Malawi Human Rights Commission stepping in as a conciliator. A conciliation agreement was reached and signed.

    However, the government has yet to implement this agreement, exacerbating the frustration and hardships faced by these essential healthcare workers.

    Otieno: Demands by NONM and PAUM are justifiable
    Otieno: Demands by NONM and PAUM are justifiable

    This has prompted NONM and PAUM to call for a nationwide sit-in whose major casualties will likely be poor Malawians.

    On Thursday evening, NONM president Shouts Galang’aza Simeza and his PAUM counterpart, Solomon David Chomba, wrote to authorities, including Directors General (DGs) of the country’s central hospitals, Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) and others, confirming their resolution to go on indefinite strike effective June 10, 2024.

    “We write to CONFIRM to you that the above-mentioned healthcare workers will begin their sit-in as communicated in an earlier letter dated May 16, 2024, Reference Number NONM/PAUM/008/16/2024. As announced, the details of the sit-in will be as follows:  Date: 10th June 2024, Time: 7:30 AM (NON – STOP), Venue: All Public and CHAM Hospitals across the country. By this letter, we write to request you all to prepare accordingly for the needed coverage of the hospitals during the entire period of the sit-in. As you may be aware, we are currently unable to indicate the duration of the sit-in as it is dependent on the response and action by the government,” reads the letter Simeza and Chomba signed on behalf of their respective bodies.

    And in reaction to the development, GACOPA president Austin Oduor Otieno expressed concern over the fall of the negotiations.

    However, Otieno said his organization stands in solidarity with their local counterparts.

    “We urgently call on the Government of Malawi, particularly the Honourable Minister of Health, to take immediate action to avert this looming crisis. Clinical officers play an indispensable role in Malawi’s healthcare system, demonstrating exceptional surgical skills and healthcare expertise. Their contributions have made Malawi a role model for many countries. Despite their critical role, clinical officers in Malawi are paid the lowest salaries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This disparity is not only unjust but also detrimental to the healthcare system’s sustainability and effectiveness,” reads his statement.

    Otieno described the demands put forth by PAUM and NONM as justifiable and merit urgent attention from the Malawi Government.

    He warned that failure to address these concerns will likely lead to a deterioration in healthcare services across the country, severely affecting the health and well-being of the Malawian people.

    “We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Malawi and urge the Government of Malawi to honor the conciliation agreement and ensure fair compensation and working conditions for all healthcare professionals. The health of the nation, often referred to as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” depends on it,” emphasized Otieno.

    There has been no immediate reaction from the Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda.

  • Counting on media, CSOs’ roles to achieve transparency, accountability in mining sector

    The increasing demand for energy transition minerals offers a significant opportunity to Malawi since it is making tremendous discoveries of these minerals which are used for renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles .

    As the climate emergency intensifies, and the world is readjusting towards clean energy, Malawi stands to gain a lot from the abundance of rare earth, graphite, rutile and niobium which are very critical to decarbonization. However, despite this good developments, the country’s extractive industry remains relatively small, contributing less than one percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) as of 2020 because most of the projects are still in exploration stage.

    In contrast, other countries, mineral extraction and processing have driven industrial sector expansion, economic diversification, and productivity enhancement by supplying critical raw materials for clean energy production.

    Participants to the training workshop posing for a photo
    Participants to the training workshop posing for a photo

    In Malawi, while the mining sector has provided employment and offers higher  hopes to many citizens, it is also plagued by allegations of rampant corruption, bribery, and adverse environmental impacts.

    It is therefore not surprising that the Government of Malawi is advancing mining as one of the sectors in the ATM strategy and as a driver of industrialization, aligning with Malawi 2063, the nation’s blueprint for economic progress.

    But Perekezi ASM Consultants and Events believe that, unless the country achieves pronounced transparency and accountability, Malawians should forget about ever realizing any meaningful benefits from the sector.

    Perekezi ASM Consultants and Events are one of the stakeholders working towards promotion of transparency and accountability with the aim of countering transnational corruption and bribery in the green mineral sector. It is against this background that, with financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Powering a Just Energy Transition Minerals Challenge (JET Minerals Challenge), is spearheading the Empowering Stakeholders: Driving Just Resource Governance through Open Contracting and Licensing Project.

    This initiative is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in Malawi’s emerging but corruption-prone mining sector.

    With this financial assistance, on May 1, 2024, Perekezi ASM Consultants and Events organized a training workshop targeting senior media practitioners and leaders of the civil society organizations (CSOs). The training workshop took place at the Wankulu Palace in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.

    An official from the Malawi Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (MWEITI), Leonard Mushani, admitted that Malawi could join the unenviable list of countries suffering from the ‘mineral resource curse’, if the country does not effectively deal with corruption, which is threatening every aspect of the Malawian society.

    Mushani therefore called upon the media and CSOs to play their part in the fight against corruption in the mining sector, stressing that there is more that MWEITI is doing to support ant-corruption drive, which require journalists’ support.

    In his presentation at the workshop, Mphatso Chikoti, the Chief Inspector of Environment and Head of Mineral Rights Division at the Ministry of Mining, assured the participants of the government’s commitment to advancing mining as one of the sectors in the agriculture, tourism and mining (ATM) strategy and as a driver of industrialization, aligning with Malawi 2063, the country’s development agenda.

    “Our mandate is to ensure sustainable utilization of minerals resources for socioeconomic growth and development of the country,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Managing Partner for Perekezi ASM Consultants and Events, Chikomeni Manda, said the aim of the project is to advance responsible and sustainable mining that is transparent and corrupt free to empower communities, protect rights, and safeguard the environment.

    Manda added that the Perekezi ASM Consultants acknowledges the important role the media and civil society play in championing transparency and accountability in the country’s mining sector. It is very crucial that they exercise their oversight role in exposing and making sure that corruption is dealt with decisively in green transition minerals. These minerals offer hope to the country, hence the need to stay vigilant in safeguarding the mineral potential for the benefit of the citizens.”

    He continued to say, that Perekezi leverages its expertise to facilitate industry dialogue, promote ethical supply chains, and drive positive change in the mining industry.

  • 265 Energy Limited extends free delivery special offer on its gas products

    265 Energy Limited, Malawi’s premier energy company specializing in the supply of gas and solar solutions, has disclosed that it has extended its free delivery special offer following the overwhelming response to the promotion.

    The promotion was initially introduced in May by celebrated and renowned gospel artist and 265 Energy Brand Ambassador, Miracle Chinga. Following the extension, the offer will now run until June 30, 2024, according to a statement the company issued on Wednesday.

    Miracle Chinga (on top) showcasing some of the gas products 265 Energy Limited sells at competitive prices in Malawi

    Spokesperson for 265 Energy Limited, Philip White, said the company remains committed to keeping every family happy and energised with prices that do not hurt their pockets

    “Extending this special offer through June ensures more families can benefit from our affordable and reliable energy solutions. This promotion underscores 265 Energy’s dedication to enhancing energy accessibility and sustainability across Malawi, aligning with Miracle Chinga’s mission to positively impact communities,” said White.

    According to White, who signed the statement, items on free delivery special offer include free gas delivery within a 10km radius of the company’s offices, a price of K3,245 per kg of gas, K5,000 gas lighters, K25,000 regulators with gauge and an K8,000 gas pipe per meter.

    Talking about the artists, White stated that Miracle Chinga joined the company in April 2024 as the brand ambassador, adding that her collaboration with 265 Energy aims to promote sustainable energy solutions while ensuring affordability and convenience for Malawian families.

    As the brand ambassador for 265 Energy, she supports initiatives that promote sustainable energy solutions and community well-being.

    White said the collaboration with the celebrated gospel musician demonstrates the company’s dedication to providing reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy options.

    “265 Energy Limited is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all Malawians,” thus he concluded his statement.

  • Chakwera nods to the Museum of African Liberation establishment

    President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has nodded to an idea of establishing a Museum of African Liberation, stressing that this will serve as a reminder to the future generations about the struggles of the African continent.

    Chakwera made the sentiments when he hosted Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, Zimbabwe Presidential Special Envoy at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

    He said the museum will help the latter-day and future generations to appreciate what African countries went through in their quest for freedom.

    President Chakwera (left) shakes Simbarashe Mumbengegwi after the meeting
    President Chakwera (left) shakes Simbarashe Mumbengegwi after the meeting at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe

    At the meeting, the Zimbabwean envoy disclosed that his government has dedicated 100 hectares of land in the capital Harare for the construction of a Museum of African Liberation – an information hub on how the African continent liberated itself at the hands of colonialists.

    He said the Zimbabwe Government has allocated a 52 square meters of space to Malawi to work with other countries to share liberation stories.

    And in his remarks, the Malawi leader told the convoy that Malawi supports the idea because it will give a chance to Malawi to share untold stories about her liberation struggle.

    He said the museum is also an opportunity to historians to disseminate to the world the real African story.

    President Chakwera explained that liberation fight aside, the two countries should also work together to ensure that the freedom fight translates into economic freedom.

    Speaking earlier, Mumbengegwi said his country is interested to work with Malawi in the initiative because of the paramount role the country played during the struggle for liberation of the African continent.

    Mumbengegwi said it is Harare’s desire to have the story of Africa liberation to be told by Africans themselves.

    “We came to familiarize you and also to invite you to participate in this project because the story of our liberation can never be complete without Malawi’s involvement,” emphasized Mumbengegwi.

    “Our desire is to have the story of Africa liberation to be told by Africans themselves. Our history has been told by others and its time to have it said by Africans in our own way.”

    [END]

  • Malawi’s Dzaleka Refugee Camp registers first Somalian to volunteer to return to his country

    Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa district in Malawi has registered the first Somalian national who has volunteered to return to his country. All along, they have been Burundians and Rwanda who have been flying back to their countries.

    Thirty-year-old Ali Abdi Noor left the country Malawi through the Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, and was escorted by senior officials from the department and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

    This is the sixth convoy, a development Senior Administrative and Operations Manager, Hilda Katema-Kausiwa, described as a big success in ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers who volunteer to return to their native country are given all the necessary support.

    Katema-Kausiwa: This is the first refugee from a country none other than Burundi and Rwanda to volunteer to return to his country--Photo by Watipaso Mzungu
    Katema-Kausiwa: This is the first refugee from a country none other than Burundi and Rwanda to volunteer to return to his country–Photo by Watipaso Mzungu

    Katema-Kausiwa indicated that there is growing support for the program from the refugee community.

    “We’re particularly happy that we have, for the first time, repatriated a refugee from another country other than the usual Burundi and Rwanda. We’re very happy as government, together with UNHCR, that the Government of Somalia was willing to receive him, and that now we have this arrangement where when more applicants come forward, we will be able to freely repatriate them back and they will be received with dignity,” she said.

    Katema-Kausiwa disclosed that the department, in collaboration with its partners, is advocating for resettlement, voluntary repatriation and local integration as solutions to the management of the refugees and asylum seekers.

    She said in this regard, the partners have been raising awareness among the refugee community and orienting them about the need for them to return to their native country, stressing that this is the most durable solution.

    “The department is open to welcome as many refugees to come and apply for voluntary repatriation and we will work hand in hand with UNHCR to ensure there are resources for repatriating them to their countries,” said Katema-Kausiwa.

    Speaking earlier, Noor thanked the Department of Refugees and UNHCR for ensuring that his rights are not violated while he lived in the camp as well as according him a decent flight back to Somalia.

  • Reunion Insurance sponsors Mr Jokes with MK2.5m for Comedy NIGHT at BICC in Lilongwe

    Reunion Insurance Company Limited has made a MK2.5 million towards, “An Experience with Mr. Jokes Comedy Night”, an event scheduled to take place at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on 29th June 2024.

    Speaking at Reunion Insurance Headquarters in Blantyre during the cheque handover ceremony, Marketing and Business Development Manager, Miller John Joshua acknowledged that comedy plays a pivotal role in sustaining and enhancing the success of various ventures.

    Mr. Jokes (right) receiving a dummy cheque from Mr. Miller John Joshua of Reunion Insurance Company of Malawi
    Mr. Jokes (right) receiving a dummy cheque from Mr. Miller John Joshua of Reunion Insurance Company of Malawi

    “Mr. Jokes, with his unique blend of humor and creativity, is expected to bring people who are also our customers together, foster connections, and create shared memories. As Reunion Insurance, we pledge that we will continue to support and work with different stakeholders in various industries to fulfil its corporate social responsibility tenets as enshrined in its business model,” said Joshua.

    Receiving the donation, Mr Jokes, real name Andreya Thonyiwa, thanked Reunion Insurance Company Limited for the kind gesture and said the amount will go a long way in preparations of the event, which he is organizing for the first time in Lilongwe after a successful similar event in Blantyre.

    He also appealed for more partners as the event has been budgeted at MK10 million.

    Other comedians, who will perform, include Ching’aning’ani, Raphael Sitima, Giring’ande Mr Handsome, Joseph Madzedze, Padiwa Khacho and Jadidi.

    The event will be spiced up by music performances by Malawi’s Amapiano Queen Jetu, Zeze Kingston, Gibo Pearson, Temwa, Joseph Mkasa, Strongingo, and ADM Dancing Crew.

    Reunion Insurance is the fastest growing local insurance company with 12 branches across the country, Reunion Online which is the first digital insurance purchase platform in Malawi and a network of Brokers and Agents that support its operations.

  • National Advocacy Platform demands transparent recruitment process for new ACB czar

    The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) – a network of civil society organizations advancing principles of good governance, transparency and accountability – has called upon the Government of Malawi to level the field in the recruitment of the new Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

    Speaking in an interview on Wednesday morning, NAP Board Chairperson, Benedicto Kondowe, said the transition period requires prompt action to ensure continuity and stability within the bureau.

    Kondowe: Malawians deserve no less than the best and most transparent recruitment process
    Kondowe: Malawians deserve no less than the best and most transparent recruitment process

    “To appoint a substantive Director General, a transparent and merit-based selection process should be initiated, involving a thorough vetting of candidates to ensure the most qualified individual is chosen. The appointing authority should therefore ensure there is a level playing field to allow competent candidates to compete and the best candidate secure the job,” he said.

    Kondowe further stressed the importance of the an objective oversight role by the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) in the recruitment process, saying it will help in ensuring that the recruitment is depoliticized and free from external influences.

    He added that the transparent recruitment process is essential in ensuring the ongoing support for the ACB is crucial, including adequate funding, resources, and political backing, to empower the bureau in its critical role of upholding integrity within the public sector.

    Commenting on the appointment of Hilary Chilomba as the acting ACB Director General following the expiry of Ms Martha Chizuma’s contract last Friday, Kondowe described the development as pivotal moment for the bureau.

    In her press statement dated June 4, 2024, ACB Principal Public Relations Officer, Egrita Ndala, assured stakeholders that all the bureau’s operations are going on smoothly.

    Ndala asked the stakeholders to give Chilomba support to enable him perform in his acting capacity.

  • Chakwera promises 123, 000 jobs through industrial park project

    President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has said 123,000 Malawians will get jobs when companies start building their factories in the places identified and earmarked for industrial park projects across the country.

    Chakwera said this on Saturday when he led government officials, international dignitaries and investors in launching Lilongwe Industrial Park, which is located in Magwero in Lilongwe City.

    President Chakwera and other dignitaries pose for a photo after inspecting the site
    President Chakwera and other dignitaries pose for a photo after inspecting the site

    He said industrialization is one of the policies that his government has put much emphasis and focus on in its pursuit to achieve accelerated social and economic development of this country.

    “In Malawi 2063 that all Malawians agreed to achieve, there are three pillars to increase the economy of our country, and the first is to build industries. This fact speaks of the need for factories to produce various products using the produce we get from our fields,” he explained.

    Chakwera criticized previous administrations for selling off state-owned companies with the aim of sharing profits, stating that this contributed to the rise in prices of imported goods and services.

    “Don’t let anyone deceive you! What has been happening in this country, allowing politicians and government officials to take over factories and government companies and sell them illegally is what has brought poverty in this country. A country without factories and companies that use farmers’ produce is poor because farmers lack markets to sell their products. A country without factories and companies that use farmers’ produce is in poverty because the farmers’ goods are produced by traders who do not pay attention to adding value to the goods so that the farmers can earn a reasonable income.

    “A country without factories and companies that use farmers’ produce is in poverty because young people cannot find work. A country without factories and companies that use the produce of farmers is in poverty because there is not enough forex for businessmen to be able to buy foreign goods, because what brings forex to the country is the goods that your factories and companies sell to foreign countries,” said Chakwera.

    “Also, when you see the alarming rise in prices, don’t let anyone lie to you that the rise has started today. Things in Malawi started to get expensive in 1994 when we were watching politicians selling companies and government industries. In a country without factories and companies that use the produce of farmers, the prices of products that have gone up have gone up again. Why? The price of goods will not stop rising if there are no companies and factories in Malawi that use cheap raw materials in Malawi. The prices of goods cannot stop rising if our shops are full of imported goods, which are more expensive than domestically produced goods.

    “So when we let the politicians and government officials sell the factories and share the money, the end result is this, things have been going up in price since 1994 until today. So when someone lies that he has raised the prices of things in this country with Chakwera, that person should be ashamed, because I sold the sugar companies in Malawi so that the price of sugar would only go up, not me. That person should be ashamed, because I sold the clothing companies so that clothes can only be found abroad, which will not stop increasing in price. That person should be ashamed, because I sold Malawi Savings Bank so that Malawians will not need a bank to give them money to do business and they will be left with banks that lend money to the poor, which have been increasing the prices of things. That person should be ashamed, because I closed down the export industries so that there would be a useful forex in the country so that the kwacha currency is not being used to increase the prices of goods,” he continued.

    But Chakwera emphasized that he does not have time to fight with the people who brought this chaos to the country, saying that the time he has is to restore the things that the others destroyed.

  • WOCACA calls for stringent measures to protect youth from harmful tobacco products

    Women’s Coalition Against Cancer (WOCACA) has asked the Government of Malawi to implement and enforce stringent regulations on the marketing, sale, and distribution of tobacco products in order to protect the youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry.

    WOCACA Executive Director Maud Mwakasungula has made the appeal in a statement issued as the organization joins the global advocates and community in commemorating World No Tobacco Day on 31st  May.

    World No Tobacc Day is an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

    This year, the focus is on “Protecting the Youth from the aggressive tactics of the tobacco industry”, which targets them as a new generation of smokers.

    In her statement, Mwakasungula has advocated for the banning of flavored tobacco products and limiting advertising in media and locations frequented by young people.

    Mwakasungula: We need to protect the youth from harmful tobacco products

    She also asked the government and its stakeholders to conduct public awareness campaigns to educate youth about the dangers of tobacco use and the deceptive practices of the tobacco industry.

    “Schools, communities, healthcare providers and civil society organizations should be actively involved in disseminating this information, and also encourage and enforce the creation of tobacco-free environments in schools, public places, and homes to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and de-normalize tobacco use,” reads part of the statement.

    WOCACA has also called upon the government and its partners to provide accessible and effective cessation programs for young people who are already using tobacco products.

    Mwakasungula states that this should include counselling, support groups, and resources for quitting.

    “We should also empower young population to take an active role in tobacco control advocacy. Youth-led initiatives are powerful tools for change, promoting peer-to-peer education and support. Together, we can create a tobacco-free generation and ensure a healthier, brighter future for our youth,” she says.

    The importance of World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31st highlights the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocates for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Tobacco is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, claiming over 7 million lives each year. Beyond it is well-known that tobacco use is associated with a wide range of cancers due to the numerous carcinogens present in tobacco smoke.

    Tobacco consumption is linked to types of cancer affecting body parts such as the oral cavity, lungs, liver, stomach, bowel, ovaries and certain forms of leukaemia.

    Globally, it accounts for 25% of all cancer-related deaths, approximately 2.5 million deaths. Notably, smoking alone contributes to 85% of lung cancer deaths, underscoring the need for collaborative actions worldwide to combat tobacco use.

    Tobacco use is also a major contributor to heart disease, responsible for approximately 12% of all heart disease deaths. And the impact of second-hand smoke is equally alarming, causing nearly 900,000 deaths annually.

    The focus of WNTD 2024 is revolving around safeguarding youth from being targeted by tobacco products. This initiative serves as a platform for people, policymakers, civil society organizations and advocates in tobacco control to address this issue and call upon governments to implement measures that protect people from tobacco companies’ marketing tactics.

    Children and young people are affected by the effects of tobacco production and consumption. Governments therefore have great responsibility for this particularly vulnerable group and thus needs to protect and fulfil their rights as recognized in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

    The entirety of children‘s rights leads to the conclusion that, children have a right to a tobacco-free world and have the right to be protected from the tobacco industry, i.e., not to be exploited in tobacco cultivation, to live in a smoke-free environment that protects them from secondhand smoke as well as from starting to smoke themselves and to have access to smoking cessation support if they have become addicted to tobacco.

    Further, youth have been particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco. Nicotine addiction has led to a lifetime of dependency with serious health consequences.

    Smoking during adolescence has also been linked to impaired lung development, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of various cancers.  Additionally, smoking inhibits the immune response to HPV, a virus that causes cervical cancer, further endangering the health of young people, especially girls.