District Councillors call for urgent signing of regulations as evidence of youth vaping and tobacco use sparks alarm. Local authorities across Botswana are calling for the urgent signing of regulations needed to enforce the Tobacco Control Act, 2021, after being presented with evidence of rising youth vaping and tobacco use and sharing their own experiences
TOBACCO CONTROL LAW GATHERS DUST AS CHILDREN TAKE UP VAPING Read More »
The tobacco industry is taking advantage of the delay in bringing Botswana’s Tobacco Control Act of 2021 into operation, using the regulatory gap to aggressively market emerging tobacco and nicotine products, particularly to young people. Anti Tobacco Network Executive Director, Professor Bontle Mbongwe told a Gaborone City Council full council meeting on Friday that the
TOBACCO INDUSTRY EXPLOITING REGULATORY DELAY – PROF MBONGWE Read More »
Mogoditshane-Thamaga District Council Chairperson, Molatedi Selala has raised alarm over the growing use of vapes and shisha, commonly known as “hubbly bubbly”, among young people attending festivals and parties hosted on farms in and around Gabane and Thamaga. Selala made the remarks this morning during an engagement between the council and Anti Tobacco Network (ATN),
Mahalapye District Council Chairperson Hon. Outule Segolame has urged leaders to put health first as Anti Tobacco Network (ATN) pushes for the signing of regulations to operationalise the Tobacco Control Act, 2021. He called on leaders to take urgent action against tobacco use, warning that its impact on public health can no longer be ignored.
Mahalapye Council Chair Calls for Urgent Action on Tobacco Use Read More »
“Re tlhola re bona bana ba rona ba goga dilo tse le reng di vape le di shisha tse, but thought it was harmless because it smelt nice.” That was one of the striking revelations during today’s engagement between Anti Tobacco Network (ATN) and the Bobirwa District Council in Bobonong, where councillors openly shared their
Bobirwa Council Raises Alarm Over New Tobacco and Nicotine Products Read More »
Anti Tobacco Network Executive Director, Professor Bontle Mbongwe called for Botswana to place greater emphasis on preventive health during her address to the Mabutsane Full Council this morning, warning that the country cannot afford to wait until people are sick before acting. Botswana already carries a significant burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), with NCDs estimated
Botswana Must Invest In Prevention To Reduce The NCD Burden Read More »
The future of tobacco control in Botswana is closely tied to the successful implementation of the Tobacco Control Act, 2021. Although the Act has already been passed, its full operationalisation remains pending as of early 2026 due to the need for ministerial regulations. These regulations are a critical step, as they provide the practical framework
What Does the Future of Tobacco Control Look Like? Read More »
Each year on 24 March, the world marks World TB Day – a reminder that tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally. While much attention is placed on diagnosis and treatment, one major driver of TB continues to be overlooked in everyday conversations: tobacco use. At the community level, this is where
World TB Day: Why Ending Tobacco Use Is Critical to Ending TB Read More »
Botswana will on 30 April 2026 officially launch the 2025 Tobacco Industry Interference Index (TIII) Report, a national assessment examining how tobacco industry influence affects public health policymaking. The launch, convened by the Anti Tobacco Network (ATN), will bring together key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and development partners. While the in-person event will
Botswana to Launch 2025 Tobacco Industry Interference Index Report Read More »
As the festive season approaches, we find ourselves surrounded by the joy of family gatherings, the warmth of love, and the hope of new beginnings. The Christmas holidays are a time to reflect on what truly matters—our health, our loved ones, and our future. This year, why not give yourself and those around you the
