JULY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
A recap of July 2026
July marked meaningful progress in Tobacco Control. From advancing research and strengthening advocacy across Africa to exposing industry tactics, our newsletter highlights the importance of evidence, collaboration, and sustained action to protect present and future generations from the harms of tobacco and nicotine.
NCAS supported ATIM at the University of Pretoria School of Public Health Research Day
The National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) supported the Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) at the University of Pretoria's School of Health Systems and Public Health Research Day. The event showcased innovative public health research and highlighted the vital role of evidence in informing policy and improving population health. By bringing together researchers, students, and public health professionals, the research day promoted collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing health challenges. While research remains as one of the foundation of effective change, conducting and translating evidence based research strengthens advocacy and supports informed decision-making.
News Alert
ATIM convened advocates, researchers, journalists, and government officials to strengthen tobacco control across the continent through their BETA course. The training focused on exposing Tobacco Industry tactics, including efforts to influence public opinion, delay policy implementation, and target young people through emerging nicotine products such as vapes. Participants were equipped with practical tools to identify industry interference, support evidence-based policymaking, and improve enforcement of tobacco control measures across Africa. This initiative marks an important step in building a stronger, more informed network of Tobacco Control champions committed to protecting future generations from tobacco and nicotine addiction across Africa.
NACS and convenience store groups have challenged penalties imposed by Mastercard on retailers selling certain vape products, arguing that the measures unfairly impact businesses. While the dispute centres on commercial practices, this raises a broader public health question: Who should be accountable for preventing the sale of harmful and potentially illegal nicotine products? Tobacco control requires shared responsibility across the supply chain, from manufacturers and retailers to payment providers and regulators. As nicotine products become more widely available, protecting young people and preventing addiction must remain the priority and public health should always take precedence over commercial interests.
The Tobacco and Nicotine industry continues to reinvent its marketing strategies, positioning nicotine products as symbols of empowerment, style, and sophistication to attract more women. Through appealing packaging, social media influencers, and flavoured products, these tactics seek to normalise nicotine use while downplaying its addictive nature and health risks. This highlights the urgent need for stronger regulation of nicotine advertising, promotion, and sponsorship across all platforms. Protecting women and young people from targeted marketing is essential to preventing nicotine addiction and reducing the burden of tobacco-related disease. Strong Tobacco Control measures remain one of the most effective ways to safeguard public health and create healthier communities.
Recent allegations presented before the Madlanga Commission have renewed public attention on the harmful impact of illicit tobacco trade in South Africa. Beyond depriving the country of much-needed tax revenue, the illicit tobacco market weakens public health efforts by making cigarettes cheaper and more accessible, particularly to young people. It also undermines legitimate regulation and accountability within the tobacco industry. These developments reinforce the need for stronger enforcement against illicit trade, transparent investigations, and effective implementation of tobacco control measures. Moreover, tackling the illicit tobacco market is essential to protecting public health and strengthening governance.
Young people across New York in SUNY Oswego are proving to be powerful advocates for a tobacco-free future. A recent youth tobacco prevention summit brought together students to build leadership skills, challenge tobacco industry marketing, and develop community-based awareness campaigns. By equipping young people with knowledge and confidence, these initiatives empower them to protect their peers from nicotine addiction and make informed health choices. Youth-led advocacy is a cornerstone of effective tobacco control, helping to counter industry influence before it takes hold. Investing in young leaders today strengthens future public health efforts and creates communities where the next generation can thrive free from the harms of tobacco and nicotine.
A South African entrepreneur's journey from the family cigarette business to leading a global healthcare company highlights the complex legacy of the tobacco industry. While his career has since taken a different direction, the story underscores the lasting public health impact of tobacco, particularly in South Africa. Tobacco products continue to claim millions of lives worldwide and place an immense burden on health systems. This story serves as a reminder that the economic success associated with tobacco cannot be separated from the harm caused by addiction and disease. As South Africa advances Tobacco Control, the priority must remain on preventing harm, protecting future generations, and ensuring that public health takes precedence over commercial interests.
Research Alert
Tripathi et al, 2026. Exploring the Discourse Around Zyn Nicotine Pouches on Instagram and TikTok: Content Analysis. doi: 10.2196/88825
The study highlighted that social media platforms are playing a significant role in promoting oral nicotine pouches such as Zyn. The researchers analysed Instagram and TikTok posts and found that most portrayed the products positively, used humour, attractive flavours, influencer content, and sports-related themes that may appeal to young people. The study also identified misleading information about these products, with TikTok featuring more influencer-driven content and Instagram containing more commercial promotions. These findings highlight the urgent need for stronger regulation of online nicotine marketing to protect young people from misleading content and nicotine addiction.
Khadanga et al, 2026. E-Cigarettes and Cigarettes: Implications for Cardiac Rehabilitation. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2026.04.129
Tobacco price promotions displayed outside retail stores have been shown to increase young adults interest in smoking. The researcher highlighted that visible discounts and promotional messaging at the point-of-sale made tobacco products appear more attractive and could influence future smoking intentions. The findings demonstrated how the retail environment continues to play a powerful role in shaping tobacco-related behaviours, particularly among young people who are more susceptible to marketing influences. The findings continue to strengthen the case for comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and price discounts at the point of sale to reduce smoking uptake among young people.
Kypriotakis et al, 2026. Survival and Economic Benefits of Implementing Evidence-Based Tobacco Treatment Across US Cancer Care. doi:10.1200/OP-26-00175
Implementing evidence-based smoking cessation programmes for people diagnosed with cancer could prevent more than 66,000 deaths and save over 287,000 life-years within a decade. The study also estimated healthcare savings of US$12.3 billion through reduced treatment costs and improved survival. Researchers found that expanding access to cessation services would further improve health outcomes while reducing healthcare expenditure. These findings reinforce that integrating smoking cessation into cancer care is both lifesaving and cost-effective, making it an essential component of comprehensive tobacco control.
Cummings et al, 2026. Trends in adult exclusive and dual use of combustible and non-combustible tobacco products in the United States. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/jncics/pkag062
Tobacco use trends in the United States between 2015 and 2023 showed that cigarette smoking continued to decline, particularly among younger adults. At the same time, the use of non-combustible nicotine products, especially e-cigarettes, increased, while dual use of cigarettes and non-combustible products remained relatively low and stable. Although combustible tobacco remains the most commonly used product, especially among older adults, the findings suggest that tobacco use patterns are changing. While declining cigarette smoking is encouraging, the growing use of e-cigarettes highlights the need for continued regulation to prevent nicotine addiction and protect young people from initiating any form of tobacco or nicotine use.
Public Health insight of the month
A tobacco-free future is not a distant dream; it is a goal we can achieve through collective action, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment. Every conversation, every policy, and every life protected is a victory worth celebrating.
Ready to Quit Smoking? Contact the NCAS Quitline for help today!
Call: 011 720 3145 or WhatsApp: 072 766 4812
Comments