29/04/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lusaka, Zambia
April 28, 2026
The To***co Free Association of Zambia Executive Director, Brenda Chitindi, has called on Zambian Members of Parliament to take bold and decisive action by passing the To***co Control Bill No. 40 of 2025, drawing inspiration from the United Kingdom’s landmark to***co legislation.
“Zambia stands at a defining moment in its public health journey,” said Ms. Chitindi. “We commend the United Kingdom for its historic To***co and Vapes Bill, a transformative piece of legislation that is setting the pace globally in protecting future generations from the harms of to***co.”
Ms. Chitindi noted that the UK law—expected to receive Royal Assent imminently—introduces a groundbreaking “to***co-free generation” policy by prohibiting the sale of to***co products to anyone born after January 1, 2008, beginning in 2027.
She emphasized that this approach represents a shift from reactive health interventions to proactive prevention.
“This is not just policy innovation—it is moral leadership,” she said.
“The UK has demonstrated that governments can take firm, evidence-based action to end the to***co epidemic without criminalizing users, focusing instead on restricting access and protecting young people.”
She further highlighted that the UK legislation has received strong cross-party support, underscoring the universal recognition that to***co control is a national priority beyond political divisions.
A call to action for Zambia
Ms. Chitindi urged Zambian lawmakers to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the health and future of citizens by passing the To***co Control Bill No. 40 of 2025 without delay.
“We call on our Members of Parliament to emulate their counterparts in the UK by demonstrating courage and unity,” she said. “The To***co Control Bill before Parliament is a critical tool that can save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and protect Zambia’s young people from a lifetime of addiction and disease.”
She stressed that Zambia has an opportunity to join a growing global movement toward a to***co “endgame,” with countries such as Maldives, South Africa, and France already implementing or exploring progressive to***co control measures.
Protecting future generations
Ms. Chitindi pointed out that global evidence increasingly supports bold interventions, including phased sales bans, ni****ne-free generation policies, and stricter regulation of to***co and va**ng products.
“Polling data across the world shows overwhelming support for to***co-free generation policies because no parent wants their child to start smoking,” she said. “Zambia must not lag behind while others move forward to secure healthier futures.”
She also cautioned that while progressive legislation may face resistance, particularly from the to***co industry, governments must remain resolute.
“We are aware of the potential for legal and commercial pushback, but the right to health must always prevail over corporate interests,” she said. “With strong political will, Zambia can implement a robust framework that includes smoke-free environments, restrictions on advertising and product displays, and support systems to help smokers quit.”
A healthier Zambia is possible
In closing, Ms. Chitindi reiterated TOFAZA’s commitment to supporting government and stakeholders in implementing effective to***co control measures.
“The passage of the To***co Control Bill No. 40 of 2025 will be a historic milestone for Zambia,” she said. “It is an opportunity for our nation to lead in Africa and protect generations to come. The time to act is now.”
Issued by:
Brenda Chitindi
Executive Director
To***co Free Association of Zambia
Lusaka,
