Gabon faces a significant challenge in the treatment of addictions, particularly tobacco addiction, despite the existence of national legislation and international commitments. Although the country has ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and promulgated an anti-tobacco law in 2013, the lack of infrastructure and trained personnel limits prevention and care actions, particularly among young people. and vulnerable people[1].
A worrying smoking
WHO figures for 2023 reveal that the smoking rate in Gabon reaches 2.5% among women and 2.2% among men. Although this prevalence remains lower than international averages, consumption is increasing and the country is struggling to prevent this development and provide care for smokers with appropriate treatments. A minority of users combine tobacco with other substances such as alcohol or cannabis, which increases the risks. The early age of first consumption, often from 12 years old, aggravates the situation and highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat smoking with a major component of prevention and rapid treatment of smokers.
Non-existent or inadequate support
The country suffers from a lack of professionals trained in tobaccoology or even generally in addictionology and a lack of suitable infrastructure for the care of smokers and more generally of people dependent on alcohol or other psychoactive substances.
Gabon therefore does not have a sufficient number of health professionals trained in the treatment of tobacco dependence. The latter do not sufficiently integrate the issue of smoking into their daily practices, such as brief intervention. Access to validated treatments, such as methadone, bupropion or patches, gums and lozenges, also remains difficult, which contributes to the numerous relapses observed. Consequently, treatment when it exists remains essentially psychiatric and limited to certain specific situations. Professionals are calling for a reform of care to offer adapted, sustainable and effective support to dependent people.
This call is linked to the commitments made by the country, which has ratified the WHO international treaty the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The latter includes in particular practical guidelines for the care of smokers alongside other prevention policies. This involves an investment in human and financial resources to create structures specialized in supporting dependent people, facilitating access to cessation aid. Also highlighted is the importance of improving accessibility to validated treatments, such as patches, nicotine gum, and medications such as bupropion. These supports must be offered at an affordable cost and integrated into health services to ensure that the most vulnerable populations, including young people, can easily access them.[2].
RK
[1] (accessed 10/28/2024)
National Committee Against Smoking |
