Ouagadougou: Every year, the consumption of tobacco products causes more than 3,200 deaths in Burkina Faso and generates an economic cost of more than 29 billion FCFA for the State, said Adama Zango, coordinator of the African Association Against Tobacco (ACONTA), on Friday at the opening of a workshop to raise awareness among civil society actors on the fight against tobacco.

According to Burkina Information Agency, based on data from the Tobacco Atlas, Mr. Zango explained that these figures illustrate the extent of the health and economic consequences of smoking in Burkina Faso. He highlighted that the expenses related to the treatment of tobacco-related illnesses represent a heavy burden on public finances.

'Smoking is responsible for more than 3,200 deaths in Burkina Faso and the State spends more than 29 billion FCFA to deal with its consequences. That is why we deemed it necessary to strengthen the capacities of civil society actors so that they can intensify awareness-raising among the different socio-professional groups,' he said.

The coordinator of ACONTA praised the progress made by Burkina Faso in the fight against tobacco, considering that the country is among the most advanced in Africa. He invited civil society organizations to preserve these gains by supporting the adoption of the regulatory texts under consideration, including the draft law on tobacco control, the decree on preventing interference from the tobacco industry, and the order establishing plain packaging for tobacco products.

According to him, these texts will help to reduce tobacco consumption, limit the influence of the tobacco industry on public policies, and better protect populations, particularly young people, the main targets of manufacturers. Mr. Zango also raised concerns about the proliferation of new tobacco products, which he considers a growing threat to young people. He expressed his hope that Burkina Faso would ban these products, following the example set by Mali within the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

Assimiyou Compaor, the organization officer of the Consumers League of Burkina Faso (LCB), reaffirmed his organization's commitment to supporting awareness and advocacy efforts against smoking. He also pointed out that the effects of tobacco affect both smokers and those exposed to smoke, including children and families.