WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2023

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa's Department of Health took to the streets the first week of June to raise awareness about the devastating impact of tobacco on our small island community.

To mark this important day, ASDoH hosted a wave to highlight the tobacco issue in American Samoa. The initiative is global and is led by the World Health Organization (WHO), which aims to not only raise awareness of tobacco’s harmful effects but also to advocate for policies that reduce tobacco consumption.

For American Samoa, it has a strict no smoking ban in all of its buildings, as well as in restaurants and places of business. And, to discourage smoking, especially among the territory’s youth, the government has also levied an excise tax on all tobacco products of 33-cents per cigarette or cigar and for each 10 grams of smoking tobacco. Of the total revenues collected, 39% goes into the General Fund to be appropriated by the Fono, 11% goes to ASCC operations, while the other 50% is for repayment of the American Samoa Economic Development Authority (ASEDA) bonds. This has translated to a pack of 20-cigarettes that used to cost around $5, now up at around $10 or more — depending on the store. Vape products have also now been included in the tobacco tax, although how they are exactly levying the tax, whether by product or nicotine content, is unknown.

The global theme this year is: 'We need food, not tobacco.'

DoH notes that together, let's stand against tobacco and prioritize our health and well-being. Say no to tobacco and yes to a healthier future!