06 Feb 2024

Botswana has been be recognised and honoured with the Integrity Award, for reaching a huge milestone in the tobacco control efforts.

A press release from the Ministry of Health says the award will be presented at the ongoing World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 10th Conference of Parties meeting in Panama, by the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC).

“The award is specific to recognition of Botswana’s efforts to safeguard public health by ensuring there is no undue influence or pressure from the tobacco industry in any of its public health policy formulation or implementation processes in line with the WHO FCTC,” says the release. It notes that the Botswana’s Tobacco Control Act, which was hailed by the GGTC, strictly prohibits any form of contributions and or corporate social responsibility initiatives from the tobacco industry.

“Botswana believes that the supply and demand of tobacco products should be regulated so that those who use tobacco, do so with the knowledge about its health implications on them and those around,” states the release. The ministry advises Batswana to continue taking personal responsibility for their health and that of their loved ones, especially vulnerable populations to ensure healthy lives. Ends