Mozambique loses 11.7 billion meticais (156 million euros) each year due to tobacco consumption. This amount represents 1.3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to data released by the Government. The information is included in the draft law on tobacco control, currently under debate in the Mozambican Parliament.
The proposal details the social and economic impact of smoking in the country, highlighting its effects on mortality. According to the document, tobacco use causes the death of 9,400 Mozambicans annually, accounting for 3.5% of all deaths recorded in Mozambique. The majority of the victims, around 73%, are under 70 years old.
In addition, the document reveals that 14% of deaths are associated with passive smoking, demonstrating the exposure of non-smokers to the harmful effects of smoke. This reinforces the idea that the problem extends beyond the consumers themselves and is therefore a broader public health issue.
In this context, the draft law aims to reduce the effects of tobacco consumption and exposure to smoke. The legislation advocates for stricter and more structured measures to curb the health and social impacts associated with smoking, while also ensuring greater protection of public health.
Economically, the annual losses are divided between direct and indirect costs. Approximately 900 million meticais (12 million euros) relate to healthcare expenses, while 10.8 billion meticais (144 million euros) result from indirect losses, including premature deaths, illnesses, and work absenteeism. The data is based on information from the United Nations Development Programme.
The document also indicates that smoking prevalence increases with age. Among 15- to 24-year-olds, the rate is 2.8%, while it rises to 16.1% in the 45- to 64-year age group.
Moreover, the proposal warns of the growing use of smokeless tobacco, particularly among young people. “A reduction in conventional tobacco use among young adults may lead to a shift toward smokeless tobacco. However, studies point to similar, and in some cases higher, health risks associated with smokeless tobacco compared to smoked tobacco,” the document states.
Associated risks include cancers of the mouth, tongue, esophagus, and pancreas, among other health problems. Gum disease, tooth wear, and increased blood pressure are also highlighted, along with a higher likelihood of respiratory and heart diseases.
The Government, through the Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, Mateus Magala Saize, stated that “reducing tobacco consumption prevalence by 64% over 15 years could help save 53,400 lives.”
Source: Lusa
