WHO supports South Africa's proposed tobacco and vaping legislation

CAPE TOWN - The World Health Organisation(WHO) said it supports the country’s proposed tobacco and vaping legislation because smoking costs the country up to R59 billion annually through illness and lower productivity.

The WHO was making submissions this week during public hearings into the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill currently before the Health Portfolio Committee.

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WHO representative to South Africa, Dr. Shenaaz el-Halabi, said the organisation is committed to supporting the country in strengthening its tobacco and nicotine control.

She said smoking has come at a huge cost for the economy.

"I want to just to talk briefly on the economic impacts of tobacco use in South Africa. Tobacco use costs South Africa more than R59.1 billion annually which is around 1.8% of GDP. These costs include direct healthcare expenses for tobacco-related illnesses and indirect losses for reduced productivity, illness and premature death."