Smoking

SDG target: Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries.

In two thirds of sub-Saharan African countries, girls are more likely to smoke than adult women. Traditionally, smokers in Africa tend to be men, but that may be changing. Countries can reverse this disturbing trend by adopting proven tobacco control strategies. One of the most effective, especially for the young, is raising the price of cigarettes through increased tobacco taxes. These taxes bring overall health costs down by limiting smoking while also generating revenue that governments can use to spend on other priorities.

Below is the global progress on this indicator since 1990. Explore progress for specific countries using the drop-down menu below the chart.