As we support the WHO in encouraging the world to #committoquit ahead of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May and beyond, join the #protectournext partners and expert guests for a series of TOBACCO CONTROL CONVERSATIONS that examine other things we need to QUIT to better protect our nation’s health. 

The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2020 indicates that around 360 000 people fell ill with TB in South Africa in 2019. 62% of the 58,000 people who died, were HIV-positive. As tobacco use in people living with both TB and HIV increases the risk of death and worsens health outcomes, it is very concerning that over 30% of people living with these diseases use tobacco products, according to a study in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Journal. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 24% of HIV-related deaths are attributable to smoking. A comprehensive response to the TB and HIV epidemics must include a strategy to reduce tobacco consumption. 

As we mark Human Rights Day in South Africa, we must consider how tobacco fundamentally violates our right to life, right to health, children’s rights, women’s rights, and our right to a healthy environment  - and what should be done to protect these rights. As partner organisations in the Protect our Next initiative, including the National Council of Smoking (NCAS), the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA (HSFSA), we have been calling for the passing of The Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation that has been waiting to be passed since 2018. It’s time for our government to show leadership in the fight to protect our human rights. 

South Africa’s health organisations partnering in #protectournext, an initiative to drive awareness of tobacco harm and support the implementation of better tobacco control, are calling on smokers to quit for love this February.  Smokers who participate in #quitforlove will receive a sequence of motivational tips, guidance, access to whatsapp support groups and the SA Quitline as they go through a 21-day process. There are also weekly rewards and a smoke-free dinner date experience up for grabs.