Tobacco harms young and old, men and women. Women and children, however, face unique challenges and may be more vulnerable to the hazards of tobacco use than men. Women and children exposed to tobacco are more likely than men to develop coronary heart disease over their lifetime, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Additionally, exposure to tobacco through smoking or passive smoking imposes female specific health concerns for women and children. Pregnant women and their unborn babies are also at risk to tobacco harms. 

The temporary ban on the sale of tobacco products was lifted at midnight, 17 August, based on the reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions, as well as the recovery rate, among other indicators.  Some key health and associated organisations have responded by emphasising that the ban was always a temporary measure, again calling for the Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill to finally be passed. 

The National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa and South African Medical Research Council (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit) are using the “Protect our next” campaign to call for updating the tobacco control legislation in South Africa by passing the Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill and to get public support for the Bill. The campaign will also educate the public on tobacco-related harm and encourage people to stop smoking. 

Smoking is very dangerous for anyone and can lead to preventable disease, and even death. However, while many are aware that smoking causes cardiovascular disease and cancer, many don’t know that smoking carries particular additional risks for women.  Smoking can have a negative impact on female reproductive health, as well cause cervical and breast cancer. Second-hand smoke is also a major risk for women. Nearly 1 in 6 people who die from exposure to smoking, are not smokers. Twice as many women die of exposure to second-hand smoke as men, according to The Tobacco Atlas. Infants exposed in-utero to tobacco smoke toxins, through maternal smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, frequently experience reduced lung growth and function. Young children exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk of the onset and exacerbation of asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis, and frequent lower respiratory tract infections.

Women in government and civil society organisations have long led the fight to protect South Africans from the dangers of tobacco and tobacco-related products like e-cigarettes or vape products, leaving an important legacy.

Many civil society organisations have welcomed the South African government’s decision to uphold the ban on tobacco sales, agreeing that tobacco use can worsen the progression of COVID-19. Banning tobacco sales will reduce tobacco consumption, thereby reducing the burden of severe cases of COVID-19 on the health system.