DRC makes a ‘significant’ progress in reducing smoking prevalence (Local Initiative for Integrated Development)

Kinshasa, April 26^th, 2026 (CPA).- The acceptance of the draft law authorizing the ratification of the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol aiming to eliminate the illicit trade in tobacco products by the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo is a “major step forward” for the country in reducing smoking prevalence, according to a press release from the NGO Local Initiative for Integrated Development received on Sunday by CPA. “On April 23^rd, 2026, in Kinshasa, 13 years after its signing, the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has declared admissible the bill authorising the ratification of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. A major step forward for reducing tobacco prevalence, the effectiveness of fiscal policies and national security,” it is read. According to the source, this initial outcome reflects the government’s commitment to combat the smoking epidemic whilst consolidating national sovereignty in matters of health and fiscal policy. They indicate that it also opens up a strategic avenue in the fight against smuggling, illicit financial flows and the financing of terrorism, which are often the cause of considerable tax losses. “This Congolese non-profit, non-denominational civil society organisation, working in economic and environmental governance as well as in the promotion of public health, education and support for vulnerable people, has, on this occasion, has welcomed the commitment expressed by the government and Parliament of DRC in declaring this draft law admissible, which, in its view, strengthens universal health coverage, the President of the Republic’s flagship programme in the health sector,” the statement has indicated. The press release from the NGO “Ildi” states that all the stakeholders are called upon to accelerate the process until the bill is enacted by the Head of State. The document has explained that the WHO protocol forms part of a global effort to combat illicit tobacco trade linked to smuggling, to secure the supply chains for tobacco products and their derivatives, to increase domestic revenue to fund the health system, and to reduce non-communicable diseases for an effective health system. Submitted at the end of 2017, this bill has faced several instances of interference and conflicts of interest, which have cost it more than sixteen parliamentary sessions – eight years without any major progress in Parliament, it has been learned.