Emulate Britain, pass TCB, TOFAZA’s Brenda Chitindi prods  Zambian MPs

By Hellen Bwalya

Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA) Executive Director Brenda Chitindi is urging Zambian Members of Parliament (MPs) to take bold and decisive action by passing the Tobacco Control Bill No. 40 of 2025, drawing inspiration from the United Kingdom’s landmark tobacco legislation.

“Zambia stands at a defining moment in its public health journey,” said Ms. Chitindi, in a Tuesday, 28th April, 2026 Press Statement as she commended the United Kingdom (UK) for its historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill, a transformative piece of legislation that is setting the pace globally in protecting future generations from the harms of tobacco.”

Ms. Chitindi noted that the UK law—expected to receive Royal Assent imminently—introduces a groundbreaking “tobacco-free generation” policy by prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after January 1, 2008, beginning in 2027.

Ms. Chitindi emphasized that this approach represents a shift from reactive health interventions to proactive prevention.

“This is not just policy innovation—it is moral leadership. The UK has demonstrated that governments can take firm, evidence-based action to end the tobacco epidemic without criminalizing users, focusing instead on restricting access and protecting young people,” noted Ms. Chitindi.

Ms. Chitindi highlighted that the UK legislation has received strong cross-party support, underscoring the universal recognition that tobacco control is a national priority beyond political divisions.

A call to action for Zambia

Ms. Chitindi urged Zambian lawmakers to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the health and future of citizens by passing the Tobacco Control Bill No. 40 of 2025 without delay as it came for Second Reading on Wednesday, 29th April, 2026.

“We call on our Members of Parliament to emulate their counterparts in the UK by demonstrating courage and unity. The Tobacco Control Bill before Parliament is a critical tool that will save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and protect Zambia’s young people from a lifetime of addiction and disease,” said a prayerful Ms. Chitindi.

Ms. Chitindi stressed that Zambia has an opportunity to join a growing global movement toward a tobacco “endgame,” with countries such as Maldives, South Africa, and France already implementing or exploring progressive tobacco control measures.

Protecting future generations

Ms. Chitindi pointed out that global evidence increasingly supports bold interventions, including phased sales bans, nicotine-free generation policies, and stricter regulation of tobacco and vaping products.

“Polling data across the world shows overwhelming support for tobacco-free generation policies because no parent wants their child to start smoking. Zambia must not lag (behind) while others move (forward) to secure healthier futures,” petitioned Ms. Chitindi, pointing out that the Tobacco Control Bill No. 40 of 2025 is not a partisan legislation.

Ms. Chitindi cautioned that while progressive legislation may face resistance, particularly from the tobacco industry, governments must remain resolute as envisaged in Article 5.3 of the United Nations World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (UN-WHO-FCTC).

“We are aware of the potential for legal and commercial pushback, by the Tobacco Industry and it’s profit inclined allies but the right to health must always prevail over corporate interests. With strong political will, Zambia can implement a robust framework that includes smoke-free environments, restrictions on advertising and product displays, and support systems to help smokers quit,” Ms. Chitindi admonished.

A healthier Zambia is possible

In closing, Ms. Chitindi reiterated TOFAZA’s commitment to supporting government and stakeholders in implementing effective tobacco control measures.

“The passage of the Tobacco Control Bill No. 40 of 2025 will be a historic milestone for Zambia. It is an opportunity for our nation to lead in Africa and protect generations to come. The time to act is now,” said Ms. Chitindi as Executive Director
Tobacco Free Association of Zambia.

As the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly drew closer to a close when the August House is scheduled for dissolution on Friday, 15th May, 2026, an official debate schedule for Wednesday, 29th April, 2026 indicated thus:

ZAMBIA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
________
FIFTH SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH ASSEMBLY ________
ORDER PAPER – WEDNESDAY, 29TH APRIL, 2026
AT 14:30 HOURS

1. NATIONAL ANTHEM

2. PRAYER

3. ANNOUNCEMENTS

4. URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

5. QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER (STANDING ORDER 80)
332 Mr Siachisumo (Lufwanyama) – to ask the Minister of
Health:

(a) whether the Government has any plans to construct a hospital in Mukutuma Chiefdom in Lufwanyama District;

(b) if so, when the plans will be implemented;

(c) what the estimated cost of the project, is; and

(d) if there are no such plans, why.

333 Mr Zulu (Nyimba) – to ask the Minister of Local Government  and Rural Development:

(a) whether the Government has any plans to rehabilitate the following roads in Nyimba Parliamentary Constituency:

(i) T4 – Nyalugwe Palace and surrounding areas;
(ii) T4 – Chambula – Kalinginde – Munyazi Turn-Off at T4;
(iii) T4 – Nyimba Central Ward – Njalazi in Msima Ward; and
(iv) T4 – Chimpanje – Kalama II and Kalama I in Msanzala Parliamentary Constituency;

(b) if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

(c) if there are no such plans, why.

334 Ms Sabao (Chikankata) – to ask the Minister of Water  Development and Sanitation:

(a) why the construction of Chasunta Dam in Chikankata Parliamentary Constituency has stalled;

(b) when the works will resume;

(c) at what percentage of completion the project was, as of
February, 2026; and

(d) what the cost of the outstanding works was, as of the date  at (c).

335 Mr Kapyanga (Mpika) – to ask the Minister of Health  when the Government will install a theatre machine at Mukungule Mini Hospital in Mpika Parliamentary Constituency.

6.  GROUPED QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER (STANDING ORDER 83)

336 Ms Sabao (Chikankata) – to ask the Minister of  Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

(a) when construction of Chikankata Police Station in Chikankata District will be completed;

(b) at what percentage of completion the project was, as of February, 2026;

(c) what the cost of the outstanding works was, as of the date at (b); and

(d) what measures the Government is taking to complete the project.

337 Mr Zulu (Nyimba) – to ask the Minister of Infrastructure,  Housing and Urban Development:

(a) when the construction of the Nyimba District Administration   Offices in Nyimba District will be completed;

(b) what the cause of the delay in completing the project, is;

(c) at what percentage of completion the project was, as of
February, 2026;

(d) what the cost of the outstanding works, was;

(e) whether the Government has any plans of engaging a new  contractor;

(f) if so, when a new contractor will be engaged; and

(g) if there are no such plans, why.

7. MOTION

Ms Kasanda

Adopt Report of the Committee on Government Assurances:  That this House adopts the Report of the Committee on Government Assurances, for the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Friday, 24th April, 2026.

8. ORDERS OF THE DAY
(i) The Closed-Circuit Television Public Protection Bill (N.A.B 1/2025)
Second Reading

(ii) The Water Supply and Sanitation Services Bill  (N.A.B 2/2026)
Second Reading

(iii) The Tobacco Control Bill (N.A.B 40/2025)
Committee Stage
___________________________

N.B: This Order Paper can be accessed on the National Assembly of Zambia
Website www.parliament.gov.zm