Read articles from Africa

May 06, 2026 by sowetan.co.za

Harm reduction is widely used across public policy, yet it remains underutilised in tobacco regulation. In South Africa, the approach is already applied in areas such as road safety, public health and environmental policy to manage risk rather than eliminate behaviour. The same principle could be extended to smoking, where reducing harm may be more effective than relying solely on abstinence-based strategies. Evidence suggests that policies recognising behavioural realities tend to achieve better public health outcomes. At the same time, current debates often fail to distinguish between different nicotine products and their relative risks. A more balanced, risk-proportionate approach could improve outcomes by aligning regulation with scientific evidence and real-world behaviour.

May 05, 2026 by gfn.tv

Personal stories are emerging as a powerful tool in shaping the global conversation on tobacco harm reduction. A new initiative aims to collect and aggregate real-world testimonies from individuals who have switched away from smoking. By bringing these experiences together, the project seeks to provide a human perspective often missing from policy discussions. Advocates argue that lived experiences can complement scientific evidence and highlight the practical impact of harm reduction. The effort reflects a growing push to ensure that policy decisions are informed not only by data, but also by the voices of those directly affected.

April 29, 2026 by filtermag.org

A new platform, THR Global, highlights real-life testimonies of individuals worldwide who switched to safer nicotine products for harm reduction. It aims to empower consumers often excluded from media and policy discussions. Founded by Kurt Yeo, the website emphasizes the importance of consumer voices in decision-making and tobacco harm reduction advocacy. Testimonies share personal journeys of quitting smoking with products like vapes or snus. THR Global provides a vital resource to amplify these voices and advocate for harm reduction principles globally. Encouraging more participation is crucial for the platform's success in promoting evidence-based tobacco harm reduction solutions.

April 28, 2026 by gfn.tv

Debates around nicotine policy in Kenya are intensifying as authorities introduce sweeping bans on alternative products. In a rapidly changing regulatory environment, many safer nicotine options have become restricted or unavailable to consumers. At the same time, experts highlight a significant gap between scientific evidence and public understanding of nicotine and its risks. Widespread misconceptions—such as equating nicotine directly with cancer—continue to shape perceptions and influence behaviour. Critics argue that without effective education, such policies may unintentionally limit harm reduction opportunities for smokers.The situation underscores the need for clearer communication and better-informed public health strategies.

April 16, 2026 by tobaccoreporter.com

Namibia is moving to strengthen its tobacco control framework by introducing tighter regulations on vaping and other alternative nicotine products. The proposed changes aim to update existing laws so that newer products, such as e-cigarettes and hookahs, are explicitly covered. Authorities are responding to increasing use and imports of these products, which have so far remained largely unregulated. The reforms are part of broader public health efforts to reduce nicotine consumption and align with international tobacco control strategies. This development reflects a wider global trend of governments tightening oversight of emerging nicotine products.

April 16, 2026 by tobaccoreporter.com

Namibia is moving to strengthen its tobacco control framework by introducing tighter regulations on vaping and other alternative nicotine products. The proposed changes aim to update existing laws so that newer products, such as e-cigarettes and hookahs, are explicitly covered. Authorities are responding to increasing use and imports of these products, which have so far remained largely unregulated. The reforms are part of broader public health efforts to reduce nicotine consumption and align with international tobacco control strategies. This development reflects a wider global trend of governments tightening oversight of emerging nicotine products.

March 06, 2026 by businesstech.co.za

The Department of Health in South Africa is making changes to the Tobacco Control Bill after public feedback. Proposed changes include distinguishing between combustible and non-combustible tobacco products, with some exceptions to new restrictions. Concerns were raised about plain packaging, illicit products, and enforcing new laws. The Bill aims to regulate tobacco and vaping to promote public health. Despite pushback, measures like banning indoor smoking are accepted, while plain packaging and advertising bans face criticism. The Department opposes industry claims on harm reduction and plans to expand enforcement officers. The Bill's penalties can be reduced based on circumstances, aiming to deter violations and promote compliance.

March 06, 2026 by africanews24.com

The Department of Health continues to avoid a burning question on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill: does it actually treat combustible cigarettes and alternative nicotine products differently, or is it one-size-fits-all legislation? During Wednesday’s Health Portfolio Committee meeting, MPs pressed the department to clarify whether the Bill meaningfully distinguishes between combustible cigarettes and non-combustible nicotine products. However, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi offered a familiar line: Smoking is harmful. “It is scientific and well-researched. It is not something that the department has just drawn from the air. Seven thousand chemicals are released and 70 of them cause cancer. Those are research findings and they are there, they are recorded,” he said.

March 06, 2026 by africanews24.com

The Department of Health continues to avoid a burning question on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill: does it actually treat combustible cigarettes and alternative nicotine products differently, or is it one-size-fits-all legislation? During Wednesday’s Health Portfolio Committee meeting, MPs pressed the department to clarify whether the Bill meaningfully distinguishes between combustible cigarettes and non-combustible nicotine products. However, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi offered a familiar line: Smoking is harmful. “It is scientific and well-researched. It is not something that the department has just drawn from the air. Seven thousand chemicals are released and 70 of them cause cancer. Those are research findings and they are there, they are recorded,” he said.

January 06, 2026 by environewsnigeria.com

In 2026, Africa faces a critical decision on tobacco harm reduction policies. Despite strengthening tobacco control measures, smoking remains dominant. African governments must choose to enable safer alternatives or regulate all nicotine equally. The tension between traditional control and harm reduction approaches is growing. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia face key decisions on regulating novel nicotine products. Risk-proportionate regulation could lead to decreased smoking rates and healthcare costs. The continent's public health narrative now focuses on accelerating harm reduction alongside tobacco control efforts to combat smoking effectively.