Executive Summary

Eritrea presents some interesting and hopeful opportunities for tobacco control, even though it is not yet a signatory of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Prevalence rates in Eritrea are low at approximately 8 percent, but there is regional variation and anecdotal reports of higher rates amongst young men in the conscripted army.

In this highly centralized regime with a powerful executive body, approval of proclamations generally indicates the government's commitment to a policy. Though the Office of the President finally approves all proclamations, the national ministries play a major role in crafting them. Regional “zoba” administrations also play vital roles in making, implementing and enforcing policies. Notably, the president proclaimed a set of national tobacco control regulations in 2004 (Proclamation 143/2004). Many of the articles of this proclamation are compliant with the FCTC; however, the regulations are largely ignored due to a lack of both political will and public awareness. Proclamation 143/2004 includes provisions for smoke-free schools, but there is evidence of noncompliance. As a result, the African Tobacco Situation Analysis (ATSA) team initiated aggressive implementation and enforcement of smoke-free educational institutions. There are encouraging signs that this activity is building a critical mass of broader support for tobacco control and raising public awareness.

Recently, both the health and education ministers have publicly stated their strong support of tobacco control for the first time.