Tababa, Soungouto, Jumbo...: vaginal tobacco, a phenomenon that promises ecstasy and worries health authorities

Smoking is no longer limited to traditional cigarettes. While Senegalese authorities are focusing on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco, another, still poorly documented practice is beginning to attract attention: tababa. Indeed, in Senegal, the fight against smoking is facing the emergence of new forms of consumption. Among them is "Tababa," also known as Tabac munco, Soungouto, and Jumbo.

This phenomenon was discussed during a training workshop for members of the Civil Forum's Board of Directors. They were also made aware of the challenges related to the fight against smoking, particularly the taxation of tobacco products. The organization intends to continue its advocacy for the revision of the 2014 law and the introduction of a specific tax to contribute to public health funding.

During a training workshop, members of the Civil Forum's Board of Directors were briefed on this phenomenon. Discussions focused on the challenges related to combating smoking, particularly the taxation of tobacco products. The organization intends to continue its advocacy for the revision of the 2014 law and the establishment of a specific tax to contribute to public health funding.

To return to this product, used vaginally by some women, it is reportedly composed of tobacco, ammonia, and other potentially toxic substances. Faced with the risks, particularly to reproductive health, the authorities have launched awareness campaigns and wish to better document the phenomenon.

According to Fatou Banné Kamara, head of communication, awareness and partnership for the National Tobacco Control Program (PNLT), this product has several names depending on the area.

The product is notably presented in the form of a ball reportedly composed of tobacco, tobacco leaves, ammonia, and other substances. The head of the National Tobacco Control Program (PNLT) also mentioned the possible presence of components such as batteries in some products used by female consumers.

“In the Senegalese market, there is a new phenomenon called tababa. It is a ball made of ammonia, tobacco, tobacco leaves and other toxic products, even with batteries, which women use to insert into their reproductive organs. And unfortunately, these products have only just been identified by the Senegalese government. We are currently carrying out projects, what we call gender and tobacco projects, in southern Senegal,” explains Fatou Banné Kamara.

Investigations are therefore being carried out to better understand the extent of the phenomenon, the reasons that lead some women to use these products and the potential health consequences.

Southern Senegal is among the areas where specific actions are currently being carried out. The National Tobacco Control Program (PNLT) indicates that it is working on projects dedicated to the link between gender and tobacco, in collaboration with various actors in the health system.

A study carried out by Dr. Yeri Kamara, regional health director of Sédhiou, has notably made it possible, according to the PNLT, to better document the motivations and practices related to the use of tababa.

Thus, the Civil Forum aims to strengthen its members' involvement in advocating for more effective taxation of tobacco products. It is particularly concerned about the potential consequences of this practice on women's health.

Thus, the objective of the workshop is to enable members of the Board of Directors to better understand these issues and to contribute, at their level, to advocacy work.

Because, according to the Civil Forum, using these products vaginally could expose users to various complications. Among the consequences mentioned are vaginal lesions and damage that could affect reproductive health and sexual life.

Fatou Banné Kamara particularly emphasizes the risk that these practices could compromise the reproductive capacity of some women and cause gynecological problems.

However, health authorities wish to conduct further research in order to obtain more complete scientific data on the composition of the products, their methods of use and their short- and long-term effects.

Faced with this phenomenon, Senegal is currently focusing on informing and raising awareness among the populations concerned.

The National Tobacco Control Program works with the National Health and Social Education and Information Service, the regional health directorates and the Directorate of Maternal and Child Health to strengthen prevention actions.

The objective is, in particular, to inform women about the potential risks associated with the use of these products and to promote better care for exposed individuals.

This new problem arises as Senegal continues its efforts to combat smoking. According to figures from the National Tobacco Control Program (PNLT), the prevalence of smoking fell from 6% in 2015 to 4.4% in 2023.

But the emergence of new products and practices presents an additional challenge for the Civil Forum.

“On these issues related to smoking, the Forum felt the importance of organizing a workshop to update the members of the Board of Directors. It is important to review the work of the Civil Forum in the fight against smoking, particularly the reforms concerning taxation within the framework of the project. This meeting will allow us to make proposals to continue the advocacy work which will consist of revising the 2014 law, but above all also adopting another law that will focus on a specific tax that would truly allow us to finance public health,” explains Matar Sall, General Coordinator of the Civil Forum.