The government plans to introduce a Tobacco Control Bill before parliament in order to regulate smoking.
The new bill seeks to introduce a tobacco control law that will regulate smoking in indoor work and public places, said Minister of Health and Social Services Richard Kamwi.

“This law will ensure stronger tobacco control measures and will reduce the increasing use of tobacco and on second hand smoking in Namibia,” said Kamwi.
Results of a survey on alcohol and drug use and abuse conducted by the health ministry in 2002 showed that four out of 10 Namibians were using cigarettes.
“This is frightening for a nation as small as Namibia,” Kamwi said. Namibia has a population of about two million people.
Speaking during a ceremony to mark World No Tobacco Day this week, Kamwi said countries that have embraced smoke free policies have enjoyed high standards of health.
“These countries are not only enjoying health, but live comfortably in smoke free workplace and public places,” said Kamwi.
Kamwi said he has noted with concern a number of young people picking up the negative habit of smoking. He called upon the ministries of education and youth, national service, sports and culture to put in place measures that will help young people not to smoke.