Sudan: Health Minister - Tobacco Threatens Present and Future, Health Costs Exceed Tax Revenues

25 January 2026
Sudan News Agency (Khartoum)

- The 4th Arab Tobacco Control Conference concluded on Sunday at Al-Amal Hall in Port Sudan under the theme "Tobacco is the Enemy of the Future... Let's Confront It Together," with broad participation from Arab health and legislative leaders.

Federal Health Minister Prof. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim stressed that tobacco poses a direct threat to health security in Sudan and the region, linking it to cancer, miscarriages, and premature births. He noted that the costs of treating tobacco-related diseases far exceed tax revenues from the industry, emphasizing that true investment lies in protecting citizens. Addressing the fight against tobacco, he called for intensive public awareness and strict legislation while supporting smokers in quitting before they risk addiction.

Red Sea State Wali, Lt. Gen. Mustafa Mohamed Noor, welcomed participants, highlighting tobacco as a direct threat to sustainable development and urging partnership among legislative bodies, educational institutions, civil society, and youth to counter it.

Conference Chair Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Hassan noted that holding the event amid current challenges underscores that public health is a top priority, warning against tobacco companies exploiting crises to expand at communities' expense.

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

Dr. Wael Safwat, President of the Arab Tobacco Control Union, expressed pride in being in Sudan, praising official commitment and emphasizing the Union's efforts to unite Arab countries against tobacco, which targets youth and drains economies. He noted that the Union's 2021 WHO award has strengthened preventive policies in the region.

Read the original article on SNA.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2026 Sudan News Agency. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.