Tanzanian Prime Minister bans shisha smoking in the country

Kassim Majaliwa’s order came a day after Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC), Paul Makonda, declared war against dealers of tobacco-laced shisha in the country’s business capital, insisting that all the joints that sell shisha should be closed by next Monday.

Majaliwa said the consumption of shisha resulted into temptation to indulge in all sorts of vices and eroding morals and killing the future generation of the country by wreaking havoc on their mental health. He warned that stern action would be taken against those who will defy the order.

The habit is gaining popularity among the youth, with many believing it is less harmful than cigarettes, but health experts say it is much worse. A research by W.H.O estimates that the volume of smoke inhaled in an hour-long shisha session is equivalent to smoking between 100 and 200 cigarettes