HIGH LEVEL PANEL DISCUSSION ON TOBACCO CONTROL

Currently, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in all regions of the world and by 2020 it is expected that the highest increases in NCD-related mortality will be in Africa. It is against this backdrop that the ATN on the 29th November 2017, hosted a High-Level Panel Discussion  On Tobacco Control at Avani Hotel in Gaborone.

The Panel Discussion themed "Countering Non-Communicable Diseases Through Investments In Tobacco Control"was aimed at taking stock of tobacco control efforts in Botswana and to reaffirm commitment and synergies among partners to halt the escalating burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in Botswana.

The discussion attracted panelists from different sectors whom we deem as key stakeholders in the fight against tobacco.

The first panelist was Ms. Thato Sengwaketswe from the Ministry of Health and Wellness whose focus was on the burden of tobacco related diseases and its catalytic effect in escalating NCDs:

Dr. Lucky Odirile from the University of Botswana talked about the impacts of Smoking in Families and Relationship:

Mr. Moagi Gaborone from WHO Botswana addressed the WHO Frame Work Convention on Tobacco Control as a vital tool for fast tracking public health globally.

UNDP's Mr. William Bapati discussing tobacco as a barrier to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals:

Representing the Media, was former Director for MISA Botswana, Mr. Buyani Zongwani who talked about the Role of the Media in Tobacco Control:

Mr. Moses Zulu from Humana People to People discussed the on going initiatives aimed at combating tobacco use in Botswana and necessary future interventions to tackle the growing burden of tobacco related diseases.

Youth Representative Tumie Modise highlighted perceptions of youth on tobacco use and desirable interventions and strategies.

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NATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL CONFERENCE, 2017

ATN on July 11-12th 2017, hosted a National Tobacco Control Conference (NTCC) in Gaborone under the theme "Tobacco- A Silent Looming Epidemic, Act Now". The aim of the conference was to help improve and sustain the effectiveness and reach of tobacco control programs and activities in Botswana. In addition, it was also meant to renew energy and commitment to tobacco control as well as to forge partnerships with all relevant stakeholders in the fight against non-communicable diseases.

The conference, which was funded by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) was officially opened by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dorcas Makgato. In her remarks, the minister announced that she will be taking the new tobacco control law to the cabinet during that week, highlighting that she is declaring the war against tobacco in war.

The conference attracted different local and international stakeholders.

Minister Makgato officially opening the conference



ATN Executive Director Dr Bontle Mbongwe presenting on the History of Tobacco Control In Botswana;

Another speaker Dr. Yussuf Saloojee from the National Council Against Smoking (South Africa) giving his remarks;

World Health Organization (WHO)- Botswana Officer in Charge Ms. Kentse Moakofhi addressed the attendees on the WHO Frame Work Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

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ATN VISITS PARLIAMENTARIANS

The ATN team paid a visit to the Members of Parliament advocating for a total ban on smoking in all enclosed and outdoor public places. We had an information booth set up to interact with our Parliamentarians. The main issue that we raised  was "Why Should Smoking in Public Places be Banned?"

Our law makers were very receptive and pledged their support to protecting the health of Batswana against the dangers of tobacco use. Here is the visit in pictures:

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TOBACCO INDUSTRY SURVEILLANCE TRAINING SEMINAR

ATN team visited Francistown on the 4th October 2017, to facilitate a training seminar on the surveillance of Tobacco Industry activities in Botswana. The training that was held at Cresta Thapama Hotel, attracted stakeholders from different districts in the country, being North East, North West, Central as well as Chobe District. 

The purpose of the training was to equip these stakeholders with the necessary information to be able to monitor and identify Tobacco Industry activities in their respective districts. On the 10th of October, the training extended to Gaborone, Cresta President Hotel where it targeted Health Officers from different councils. In her remarks, ATN Executive Director Dr Bontle Mbongwe applauded the attendees for successfully

 completing the training and implored them to effectively implement what they have in monitoring the tobacco industry activities in their respective areas.

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STAKEHOLDERS TRAINING IN PALAPYE

ATN held a three day workshop for Health Workers, Environmental Health Workers and Civil Societies to; formally introduce the ATN as a partner in supporting efforts to curb tobacco consumption and its roles in curbing the global tobacco epidemic in Botswana and;  highlight progress made in Botswana on the enforcement of the Botswana Control of Smoking Act (CSA) and the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which Botswana (FCTC) is a Party to and; solicit ideas participants on how Botswana should approach tobacco control in Botswana and their roles in addressing the devastating effects of tobacco in Botswana as well as; To shape the debate for key legislative issues that ATN is currently advocating for.

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WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY COMMEMORATION, 2016

The 2016 World No Tobacco Day commemoration 

held in Ghanzi (May 31st, 2016) was centered around the theme: 'Get Ready For Plain Packaging"

After we braved the freezing cold and the 20km walk behind our ever-so-charismatic Minister of Health Dorcas Makgato- we joyfully listened to her pledges and commitment to tobacco control.

“The new packaging will see all the attractive features of the old packaging removed. Tobacco will no longer be sold in attractive packs. Now the packs would be plain with large graphic images in both fronts and back of the packets, and the graphic details would depict effects of smoking,” a communique from Ministry of Health stated.

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