| Summary: | Background and challenges to implementation
Ethiopia is the second populous country in Africa .
In 2015, 4.2% of adults smoke. Despite, the proportion is low; it is a small percentage of large population with an increasing
trend. The potential growth of the tobacco market attracted a significant
investment from Japan Tobacco International, which acquired 40% share . This is a threat that needs to be countered, as an increase
in tobacco use will
have huge public health and developmental implications. The current
Tobacco control directive is not FCTC compliant as it
allows for designated smoking and lacks enforcement. Ethiopia levied
much weaker ad valorem excise tax, despite known effectiveness of taxation on
reducing the demand for tobacco . Thus policy level advocacy on Tobacco
control is being underway with MWECS mounting pressure to control the negative
consequences of Tobacco. This presentation highlights CSOs advocacy for stringent TC polices.
Intervention or response
MWECS
is closely collaborating with a coalition of CSOs that galvanized an advocacy
effort to leverage support for stronger FCTC
compliant bill. As part of building the coalition, CSOs established a collaboration and networking, with key government officials, media, celebrities, other NGOs.
Results and lessons learnt
As a result of this broader engagements , a new law is being drafted and includes 100% Smoke
Free Environment , Total Advertising Promotion and Sponsorship ban,
Graphic Health Warning more than 70 %. It is also
advocating for implementation of the World Bank recommendation to establish mixed tax system, complementing the ad valorem with a Uniform
Specific tax.
Conclusions and key recommendations
Legislation
and implementation of FCTC compliant law is critical in Ethiopia. CSOs have the
ability to advocate and support the development of stronger legislation.
However, the threat of tobacco industry interference is growing with the entry of JTI. Thus, strengthening the capacity to monitor and counter
tobacco industry interference is essential for the success of TC law.
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