According to 2018 data, traditional smokeless tobacco use in Lesotho showed a notable gender difference. The adult current use prevalence was 7.5% among women and only 0.7% among men. Traditional smokeless tobacco is allowed in Lesotho and is regulated as a tobacco product. The use, sale, and online purchase of these products are legal. There are no requirements for health warnings on packaging, and no minimum age restriction has been set for the sale of smokeless tobacco, raising concerns about youth access and public health protections.
Prevalence
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-lso.pdf?sfvrsn=9dd88054_3&download=true. Accessed: 19 May 2025.
- Adults survey: Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), 2018; National, ages 15-49
Regulation
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-lso.pdf?sfvrsn=9dd88054_3&download=true. Accessed: 27 May 2025.
Availability
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-lso.pdf?sfvrsn=9dd88054_3&download=true. Accessed: 27 May 2025.
Regulations and restrictions
- WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2023. Available at: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/country-profiles/tobacco/gtcr-2023/tobacco-2023-lso.pdf?sfvrsn=9dd88054_3&download=true. Accessed: 27 May 2025.
Publications
Tobacco harm reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa
With the number of tobacco users across the continent set to rise by 2025, we look at the current state of tobacco harm reduction in the region, assessing the progress made so far and the obstacles preventing greater adoption of safer nicotine products.
