SEPTEMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
A recap of September 2026
September brought a range of tobacco-control activities, from taking information and cessation support directly to communities through NCAS’s provincial roadshows, to sharing the latest news and research, and encouraging collective action through advocacy.
Know the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control bill roadshow
The National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) commenced its roadshow, reaching communities in provinces identified through GATS data as having the highest smoking prevalence, with the top three provinces covered so far and more to follow. The NCAS staff worked alongside health facilities and community stakeholders, student leaders and local SAPS representatives, sharing tobacco-control information, cessation support and educational materials, while also raising awareness about the tobacco and nicotine industry tactics and the current status of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.
Free State roadshow: Bringing Tobacco Control to the community
The two-day NCAS roadshow began at Letlotlo La Rona Rehabilitation Centre in Bloemfontein, where SAPS members, community leaders, spaza representatives, local media and community members discussed ways to strengthen support for the residents who want to quit smoking, while also sharing experiences and approaches that have worked in their communities. On the second day, the team engaged patients, healthcare workers and community members at Bloemspruit Clinic, focusing on educating them about the health risks of tobacco and nicotine use, cessation support available at NCAS, and the current status of the Bill.
Western Cape roadshow: Empowering communities for Tobacco Control
In Cape Town, the two-day NCAS roadshow began at the Higher Health Cape Town City Campus. The team engaged student leaders and Higher Health staff, raising awareness about tobacco products and strengthening their ability to educate others. Discussions focused on educating them on how to support residents and learners who want to stop smoking, with student leaders also sharing their approaches that they noted to work to have worked, while also receiving information about the National Quitline, tobacco industry tactics and the status of the Bill. On the second day, the NCAS team was warmly received by the Operations Manager and Health Promotion Team at Khayelitsha Clinic, where the engagement focused on the health risks of tobacco and nicotine use, cessation support available, and the current status of the Bill.
Northern Cape roadshow: Strengthening community Tobacco Control
In Kimberley, NCAS began at City Clinic; the team was welcomed by the Facility Manager and engaged with clinic staff and community members on the health risks of tobacco use and quitting. NCAS was pleased to meet a well-informed young community teenager who shared her school's measures used to address tobacco use and highlighted the important role parents play in understanding its dangers.
On the second day, NCAS engaged with elderly community members and community leaders, including the Soldiers of the Cross Movement, District Community Policing Board and local HTC leaders working with the Department of Health. Discussions focused on improving assistance for community members who smoke, sharing success stories and identifying approaches that can support their quit journey. While leaders were also equipped with information on tobacco products, it was also encouraging to hear elderly community members call for urgent assistance for peers struggling to quit smoking.
News Alert
A new World Health Organisation analysis of 15 countries found progress in tobacco taxation between 2009 and 2025. Countries that substantially increased taxes, simplified tax systems and accounted for inflation and income growth saw stronger results. The Philippines, Mexico and Ukraine recorded significant declines in smoking alongside major tax and price increases. WHO is calling for predictable, ambitious tax increases to make tobacco less affordable, reduce consumption and support public health.
Altria has sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), arguing that its review process for new tobacco products is too slow and prevents products from reaching the market. The company says the FDA has not met the legal 180-day review deadline and that the system puts regulated products at a disadvantage. FDA is now considering changes to the framework, while stating that public health will remain central to its regulatory decisions.
Canada’s federal Health Minister says the government is not considering loosening regulations on nicotine pouches. The products are currently restricted to adults, with sales limited to pharmacies and only one brand approved. Tobacco control groups say stronger enforcement is needed to address illicit sales and concerns about youth access. The discussion highlights the importance of effective regulation and enforcement as countries respond to emerging nicotine products.
A new WHO knowledge summary highlighted evidence linking tobacco use to infertility in women, harmful effects on sperm and sexual function in men, and lower chances of success with some fertility treatments. The summary emphasised that women who currently smoke have a 40% higher risk of infertility, while second-hand smoke may also affect fertility. WHO recommends that health-care providers inform people planning pregnancy about these risks and provide evidence-based support to help them quit.
A recent opinion piece on Kenya’s proposed Tobacco-Control amendments highlighting differences in the health risks of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. It argued that regulation should consider scientific evidence, while protecting young people, discouraging initiation and supporting public health. The article also noted that newer nicotine products are not risk-free and that their long-term effects remain under study. This debate highlights the importance of evidence-based tobacco control and strong public health protections.
Tobacco control progress cannot rely on existing measures alone. A recent discussion at Semmelweis University highlighted the need for regulation to respond to changing consumption patterns, emerging tobacco and nicotine products, and market developments. Lessons from Hungary show that stronger tobacco-control measures were linked to reductions in second-hand smoke mortality. The discussion also highlighted stronger cessation support, market monitoring, responsive taxation and advertising policies, and evidence-based communication, having continued adaptation can help sustain progress in tobacco control.
Research Alert
Guruprasad et al, 2026. Impact of Non-Tobacco Nicotine products on postoperative outcomes in soft tissue hand surgery. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.101136
Use of non-tobacco nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, was associated with higher rates of wound separation, blood-clot-related complications and unspecified surgical site infections following elective soft tissue hand surgery. The findings were consistent across 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The results suggest that nicotine exposure, regardless of how it is delivered, can adversely affect postoperative healing, highlighting the importance of screening and cessation support before surgery. Tobacco control and cessation support remain important for protecting health.
Morphett et al., 2026. A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research on stakeholder views on commercial tobacco endgame goals and policies. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105377
Evidence from 46 qualitative studies identified six key themes shaping stakeholder’s views on tobacco endgame policies, including values, beliefs about tobacco and addiction, communication, implementation barriers and practical considerations. Nicotine reduction and retail restrictions were the most commonly explored policies, and research from low- and middle-income countries remains limited, including evidence on policies targeting the tobacco industry. Addressing identified barriers may improve the feasibility of introducing and sustaining tobacco endgame policies. Even so, understanding stakeholder views can help strengthen tobacco-control action.
Johnson et al., 2026. Recommendations for reporting adult ages in tobacco research: a product of the Treatment Research Network from the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntag169
The study highlighted that inconsistent age reporting in tobacco research can limit the interpretation and comparison of findings and make it harder to identify age-related differences and disparities. Recommendations developed by tobacco treatment experts proposed standardising age-group definitions across research involving combustible and non-combustible tobacco use. Consistent reporting could improve evidence synthesis, support targeted interventions and help translate research findings into practice across the lifespan.
Shelley et al., 2026. Evidence-Based Tobacco-Cessation Strategies for Low- and Middle-Income Countries. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra2507061
More than 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries, yet only 31 countries meet WHO best-practice standards for comprehensive cessation support. The results of the study highlight quitlines, digital interventions, routine screening and clinician advice as cost-effective ways to expand treatment. Combining behavioural support with affordable pharmacotherapy can further improve cessation outcomes. Expanding equitable access to comprehensive cessation support is essential to reducing the global burden of tobacco-related disease.
Public health insight of the month
This September,
we were reminded that public health grows stronger when communities are informed, supported to make healthier choices, and empowered to advocate for change.
Ready to Quit Smoking? Contact the NCAS Quitline for help today!
Call: 011 720 3145 or WhatsApp: 072 766 4812
Call to support the petition!
Support the Call for an independent review of nicotine
Palau has formally notified the UN Secretary-General, requesting a critical scientific review of nicotine by the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. The initiative highlights concerns about nicotine dependence and the need for international cooperation to protect young people and the review would consider the available scientific evidence and assess nicotine against established criteria. Adding your voice to the call for evidence-based action to protect future generations from nicotine dependence can go a long way in supporting the call.
Sign the petition: https://delbwuzilef.typeform.com/to/suog9nXy?emci=ee51e491-67bb-f111-a6a9-000d3a56d2f7&emdi=a3412da6-6abb-f111-a6a9-000d3a56d2f7&ceid=6022288
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