Secondhand Smoke Exposure Doubles in Africa

Secondhand smoke exposure has nearly doubled in sub-Saharan Africa since 1990, reaching an alarming 98.5% increase by 2023. In 2023 alone, an estimated 234 million people in the region were exposed, compared to 118 million three decades prior.

This surge in exposure is linked to approximately 84,000 deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 and 3.9 million years of healthy life lost. Globally, 1.66 million deaths were attributed to secondhand smoke.

In stark contrast, high-income countries have made significant strides, reducing exposure by about a third over the same period. This progress is attributed to falling smoking rates and more widespread smoke-free legislation.

While population growth plays a role, the exposure patterns broadly mirror active smoking trends, with many low- and middle-income nations experiencing persistently high rates. Ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death associated with adult exposure to secondhand smoke.