Representing the Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, Pierre N’Gou Dimba, the Chief of Staff, Professor Soro Kountélé Gona, stated that the Ivorian government has reduced the prevalence of tobacco use from 14.7% to 4.5% through a series of reforms.

He made this announcement during the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the town hall of Adjamé. The event was held under the theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Confronting Nicotine and Tobacco Dependence.”

“Côte d’Ivoire has succeeded in reducing the prevalence of tobacco use from 14.7% in 2009 to 4.5% in 2023 among young people aged 13 to 15,” the Ministry of Health representative announced.

According to him, this significant achievement was made possible through a range of reforms, including:

• A decree establishing a tobacco product traceability system, tax verification mechanisms, and product authentication measures;

• A decree setting out the procedures for health warnings, packaging, labeling, and marketing of tobacco and tobacco products, along with its implementing order;

• Various training and awareness-raising activities carried out through the National Program for the Fight Against Tobacco Use, Alcoholism and Other Addictions (PNLTA).

Although the tobacco industry continues to adapt its strategies to attract and retain consumers, the Minister’s Chief of Staff delivered a solemn appeal to the population, especially children and young people:

“Do not smoke! You can live a healthy and happy life without being smokers.”

He also called for collective commitment to educate, protect, and take action for “a tobacco-free future for all.”

Representing the Representative of the World Health Organization in Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Ané Ambroise urged Ivorian authorities to:

“Preserve the gains that Côte d’Ivoire has worked hard to achieve” and “build a future in which the children and young people of Côte d’Ivoire and Africa can grow, learn, and thrive free from addiction to tobacco and related products.”

Honored that his diverse municipality had been chosen to host the event, the Member of Parliament and Mayor of Adjamé, Farikou Soumahoro, addressed young people directly:

“Dear young people, you represent the future of our country... Reject the trap of tobacco, nicotine, and all forms of addiction that are harmful to your health and your future.”

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Anti-Tobacco Writing Awards and the unveiling of No Smoking signs for public places.

“We see receiving this award only as the beginning of our efforts to continue raising awareness,” pledged Patrick N’Guessan, a journalist with Fraternité Matin, who won the Pierre Dimba Super Prize for Anti-Tobacco Journalism.