Statistics provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) indicate that 31% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 are already smoking, while about 50% are exposed to secondhand smoking.

It is further estimated that 20% of men and five percent of women between the ages of 15 and 49 consume tobacco in Namibia.

What is also concerning is smoking and secondhand smoke exposure among children.

People who are exposed to secondhand smoke can suffer the same consequences as those who smoke.

They can suffer harmful health effects such as coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and other diseases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says tobacco is a high cause of non-communicable diseases, and overall, Namibia records over one thousand tobacco-related deaths annually.

"For us to address and make sure people are healthy and productive, we must address all the risk factors of diseases, and you all know that tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke is one of the leading causes of non-communicable diseases today, and that many of these diseases or the majority of these diseases occur in low and middle-income countries, and I'm sure Namibia must be one of those countries," said Dr. Utjiua Muinjangue, the Deputy Health Minister.

Namibia passed the Tobacco Products Control Act in 2010 and regulations in 2014.

Dr. Muinjangue says the country has made progress since then.

"The government banned all tobacco product advertisements in the electronic and print media, billboards, and promotions well before the Tobacco Products Control Act of 2010 was signed into law. Namibia banned smoking in all GRN premises as far back as 2005, and up to this point, smoking is not allowed in any health facility or public premises."

She says it is the government's stance to encourage farmers to produce crops as opposed to tobacco.

As part of this continuous awareness, the ministry is engaging stakeholders at Rundu from both the public and private sectors, including business communities, the public, environmental health practitioners, social workers, police officers, and officials from the Namibia Revenue Agency.

"We have a responsibility to raise awareness among members of the community, school learners, and the business community that they should take measures to promote their own health and that of their children by protecting them from harm caused by tobacco."