Mauritania is the only French speaking country which is supported by Center for Tobacco Control (CTCA). This country is among the African countries with highest smoking prevalence rates. According the Global Tobacco Control Report (GTCR) – IV en 2012, smoking prevalence was: 27,5 % for boys and 17,7 % for girls, et 34,1 % for men and 5,7 % for women (Stepwise Study 2008).
Non-smoking tobacco is also important in Mauritania: 5,7% for men and 28, 3 % for women (Enquête Stepwise 2008).
To control tobacco in the country, CTCA supported, along with the WHO and the Ministry of Health, an important workshop that will adopt Tobacco Control Policy. The workshop will be followed by another workshop to adopt Tobacco Control National Strategic Plan.
These two important documents objectives are to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.
In this country Tobacco Control bill was also adopted by the government in September 2012 and is now on the desk of Parliament. Country representative of WHO made an advocacy during the meeting toward Minister of health so that the bill will be adopted to contribute to protect Mauritanians against smoking in public places.