No matter how vague it may seem to some, having a tobacco free Botswana is Anti- Tobacco Network’s (ATN) mission to accomplish. ATN Executive Director Dr Bontle Mbongwe said the issue of tobacco is a complex one as it even touches on issues of trade, environment and development, hence the need to address it vigorously. Dr Mbongwe said comprehensive tobacco control laws are needed in order to accomplish the mission of a free tobacco Botswana. When addressing the media on Wednesday, Dr Mbongwe said ATN exists mainly to cultivate awareness and support for the enactment of these comprehensive laws. She said to win the war against tobacco it is important to strengthen the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). She further explained that with proper frameworks in place the fight will be easily won. “Effective tobacco control will reduce consumption of tobacco which should lead to lower health expenses to treat consequences of tobacco use,” said Dr Mbongwe. ATN’s efforts towards having a tobacco free Botswana will be made easier by the envisaged Tobacco Products Control Bill expected to reach Parliament in July. The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Wellness Dr Haruna Jibril…