Faith Nyasuguta
Smoking, a prevalent form of recreational drug use, primarily involves combusting a substance and inhaling the resulting smoke, commonly tobacco.
While cigarettes made from dried tobacco leaves are the norm, smoking encompasses various substances and methods, including pipes or bongs. Tetrahydrocannabinol (from cannabis), morphine (from opium), and cocaine (from crack) are also popular choices.
Despite diverse motivations for smoking, its impact on health is predominantly negative. Tobacco, in particular, poses a global health crisis, contributing to diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, COPD, erectile dysfunction, and birth defects.
Globally, countries have implemented strategies to combat smoking, including tobacco advertising restrictions, higher taxes on tobacco products, smoke-free policies, and graphic warning labels on cigarette packages. However, tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease.
In Africa, some nations stand out for their high smoking rates. Tunisia, for instance, leads the continent with a staggering 24.6% of its population engaging in smoking habits, according to a report by Wisevoter.
Despite efforts to raise awareness of the harmful effects of smoking, the habit persists, highlighting the need for continued intervention to address this pressing public health issue.
Here are 10 African countries with the highest smoking rates:
RELATED:
