Support Tobacco Control Bill, TOFAZA, ZADEMA beg Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma

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…as Lusaka Hospital Fire Sparks Call for Tobacco Control Bill
By Hellen Bwalya
A fire incident at Maina Soko Medical Centre on Friday 24th January, 2025, has prompted renewed calls for the enactment of a Tobacco Control Bill (TCB) in Zambia.
The fire, ignited by someone smoking a cigarette near a changing room, caused an automatic emergency evacuation, highlighting the dangers of smoking in public places.
While no injuries were reported, Maina Soko Medical Centre Commandant Brigadier General Levy Muchemwa noted that the incident revealed the efficiency of the facility’s safety systems but warned other facilities may be vulnerable.
The ‘fire scare’ compelled Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA) Executive Director Brenda Chitindi and Zambian Developmental Media Alliance (ZADEMA) Executive President Derrick Sinjela into petitioning Defence Minister stem the earlier alluded cigarette smoking act and render support to the Tobacco Control Bill when it is tabled in the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, which reconvenes on Tuesday, 11th February 2025.
In a passionate plea to Mr. Lufuma, Ms. Chitindi and Mr. Sinjela emphasized the need for stricter adherence to existing regulations, such as Statutory Instrument No. 39 of 2008, which restricts smoking in public places like hospitals.
Eager to contribute solutions, TOFAZA and ZADEMA expressed readiness to meet and brief the Defence Minister to discuss the TCB and its potential to prevent future incidents once enacted into law.
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