By Yunus S Saliu
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), on Thursday, 18th January held a brief consortium meeting with stakeholders which involved the tobacco manufacturers, importers, distributors, and sellers on the notification of the commencement of a new circle of graphic health warnings on tobacco and its products for sale in The Gambia.
The meeting held at the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) conference hall in Banjul was used to notify and remind the stakeholders of the new circle of graphic health warnings and health messages that have been developed to replace the current one in circulation, bearing the picture of a child.
The newly prescribed graphic health warnings and health messages cover ninety percent (90%) of the principal display area of every tobacco package.
According to the Ministry of Health letter to all stakeholders “The Ministry of Health has developed the prescribed digital technical samples of the graphic health warnings and health messages and guidance on steps for approval of designs of the packaging and labeling on tobacco products that are compliant with the law which is available at the NCD Unit of the Ministry of Health.
“All package design samples must be presented to the Secretary to the Tobacco Control Committee for approval at the Tobacco Control Secretariat, Non-Communabale Disease Unit, Directorate of Health Services, Central Medical Stores, KotuComplex.”
The letter emphasised that “Effective nine (9) months from the date this notice is issued, (01 January to 30 September 2024) all tobacco and its products shall bear the new graphic health warnings and health messages. The implementation, thereof, of the graphic health warnings and health messages shall commence on 01 October 2024 and end on 30 September 2026.”
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Yankuba Darboe, the Commissioner General of Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) said according to the policy directive, every two years there is a need to carry out a similar process and respect the law.
At the level of the GRA, he said they do consult the Ministry of Health to make sure that whatever the law dictates as far as cigarette is concerned they collaborate and work with the Ministry on the operational aspect thus the policy arm is from the Ministry.
He dilated on the recent changes to take effect from the 1st of October 2024 especially the graphics and wordings to be on the front, back, and side package of the cigarette box while saying “It is good we invited all of you especially the private sector that are considered as the importer of the commodity for dialogue and discourse.”
He added that there is a need for the participants to report back about the meeting to their principal employers thus the importation of cigarettes is a chain work whereby there are suppliers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.
He therefore urged them to discuss with their suppliers to make sure that they change the repackage, and production of the cigarette and that the old products they are having should be sold before the commencement of the new one.
“Let’s respect the laws because we are not living in a jungle but a civilized society where we are governed by laws,” CG Yankouba Darboe said and thanked the stakeholders for their turnout and participation.
In appreciation, Dr Nyassi, Deputy Director of Health Service thanked the leadership of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) for hosting the meeting. He disclosed that with GRA they have been engaged in so many programs.
Appreciating the participants, he said “The meeting is very informative,” as the aim was to prepare and inform not only the stakeholders but every concerned party about the new circle of graphic health warnings on tobacco and its products for sale. As highlighted by previous speakers, we have almost nine months or so meaning the new regulations, by October will come into force.”
The Deputy Director of Health Service noted that cigarettes are legal but there is still a need to regularize it “and hopefully that come October we will achieve the aim and objectives and make sure that the new regulations are in place.”
Mr Micheal Mendy, Director of Education and Health Promotion, and Commissioner Kinteh among others gave comprehensive remarks at the meeting which was characterized by questions and answers.
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