Shisha in South Sudan, a growing trend – One Citizen Daily Newspaper

By John Majak Deng

What is shisha?

Shisha, also known as hookah or waterpipe smoking, involves inhaling flavoured tobacco smoke that is filtered through water.

The process begins with placing tobacco (often mixed with molasses or glycerin) into a bowl at the top of the hookah. The tobacco is then covered with perforated aluminium foil or a metal screen, upon which hot charcoal is placed. As the charcoal heats the tobacco, it produces smoke, which is drawn through a water chamber and then inhaled via a long mouthpiece attached to a flexible hose.

Shisha smoking has become an increasingly popular social activity in South Sudan, particularly among the youth and urban populations. Historically, smoking tobacco in various forms has been part of many cultures around the world, but the recent surge in shisha use in South Sudan presents a new and concerning trend.

Once primarily associated with Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures, shisha has become more widespread due to globalisation, increased exposure through social media, and the growth of urban spaces like Juba, the capital city. Shisha lounges and cafes have proliferated in urban centres, catering to young people seeking a social, leisurely experience. In these lounges, smoking shisha is often seen as a communal activity, where people gather to relax, chat, and enjoy flavored tobacco.

Over the past decade, there has been a marked rise in the popularity of shisha among young South Sudanese. The combination of flavoured tobacco, socializing in a group, and the perception of shisha as a less harmful alternative to cigarette smoking has contributed to its widespread appeal. For many young people, smoking shisha has become a symbol of sophistication and social status. It’s often viewed as a trendy and fashionable activity, largely due to its association with Western and Arab cultural influences seen on social media and through popular culture.

Shisha’s popularity in South Sudan is also driven by the increased availability of smoking devices and materials. The spread of businesses offering shisha in cafes and lounges has made the activity more accessible. These businesses cater to the youth, creating spaces where young people feel comfortable and connected. Peer influence plays a significant role in the adoption of shisha smoking, as young people often try it to fit in with their social circles or to appear trendy and modern.

The primary group engaging in shisha smoking in South Sudan consists of young people, particularly those living in urban areas. With South Sudan’s growing urbanization and youth population, cities like Juba have become epicentres of cultural exchange, where global trends, including smoking shisha, are rapidly embraced. The youth in South Sudan, often influenced by Western and regional pop culture, view shisha smoking as a form of leisure, status, and rebellion against traditional norms.

The increasing number of young people who experiment with shisha may not fully understand the risks associated with its use. Many believe that smoking shisha is safer than smoking cigarettes because of the water filter, which is commonly thought to “clean” the smoke. However, research has shown that shisha smoking carries significant health risks, including lung disease, cardiovascular issues, and addiction.

The presence of shisha in urban spaces also brings with it potential social consequences. In many cases, it’s not just about the act of smoking but the lifestyle that comes with it—late-night social gatherings, frequent consumption, and a general disregard for the long-term health effects.

Social media plays a crucial role in the normalization and spread of shisha culture in South Sudan. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have allowed young people to connect with international influencers and celebrities who portray shisha smoking as a glamorous or cool activity. This global influence has contributed to an increasing desire among South Sudanese youth to participate in this trend, often without understanding its long-term consequences.

In addition, the globalization of trade and the availability of goods from neighbouring countries have made it easier for people in South Sudan to access shisha smoking devices and tobacco. As South Sudan opens up more to international influences, the popularity of shisha will likely continue to grow, raising significant concerns about its addictive properties and health impacts.

The rise in shisha use presents several challenges for South Sudan, particularly in terms of health education and public awareness. Shisha is often perceived as less harmful than smoking cigarettes, but this misconception means that many smokers, especially young people, do not fully understand the risks they face. The health system in South Sudan is already stretched, with limited resources to tackle the increasing burden of diseases related to smoking, such as lung cancer, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular disease.

Furthermore, the social and cultural factors contributing to the rise of shisha addiction complicate efforts to address the issue. The normalization of shisha smoking in social spaces, combined with peer pressure and the lack of robust anti-smoking campaigns, makes it difficult to curb its appeal, especially among the youth.

Warps up, shisha addiction is a growing public health concern in South Sudan, especially among youth and urban populations. Its rise in popularity is influenced by cultural trends, social media, and globalization, but it also presents significant health risks that are often overlooked. Understanding the roots of this phenomenon and addressing the misconceptions surrounding shisha smoking will be key to developing effective prevention and intervention strategies in the country.

Explanation of why this issue is critical to address in the context of South Sudan’s health and social challenges.
The purpose of a book addressing health and social challenges in South Sudan is to shed light on the pressing issues that impact the well-being of its population, with a focus on critical areas like healthcare, education, nutrition, and social services. The importance of such a book lies in its potential to raise awareness, inform policy decisions, and inspire action at both the national and international levels. South Sudan, as one of the youngest nations in the world, faces severe health and social obstacles, including high rates of disease, poor healthcare infrastructure, malnutrition, and the socio-economic impacts of prolonged conflict.

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