Read articles from Africa

March 06, 2025 by theconversation.com

The growing trend of adolescent vaping, fueled by enticing flavors and targeted marketing, is a global concern. Survey data reveals high rates of e-cigarette use among adolescents in various countries, including South Africa. Research shows the harmful impact of nicotine and non-nicotine vapes on young minds and bodies, emphasizing the urgency to address this public health crisis. In South Africa, 16.8% of high school students currently vape, with rates increasing by grade. Reasons for starting and continuing vaping vary, with addiction and social influences playing key roles. Urgent actions include passing legislation to control vape sales, debunking the myth of vaping being safe, and providing support to help addicted teenagers quit.

March 05, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

Kenya's Ministry of Health mandates graphic health warnings on vapes and pouches, similar to cigarettes. The World Health Organization supports this practice, proven to grab attention and deter smoking. Research shows graphic warnings affect risk perception, but smokers can become desensitized. Misleading images on vapes and pouches risk public trust. Accurately depicting health risks is crucial. Kenya should consider harm reduction benefits of vapes and pouches before implementing misleading warnings. Comparisons to Sweden's successful smoking policies could offer valuable insights for Kenya.

February 27, 2025 by youtube.com

As South Africa awaits the 2025 Budget Speech, tobacco product producers prepare to hear tax-related pronouncements on their industry. Vape producers and distributors are pressing for, what they say, is the need for a balanced approach to tobacco taxation. They say policymakers should consider using taxation to influence behavior and tax tobacco products in proportion to their harm. Co-Founder at Vaping Saved My Life, Kurt Yeo, joins us for more.

February 05, 2025 by ecigintelligence.com

Vaping companies face ethical and legal challenges as they navigate an increasingly complex market and attempt to grow market share without attracting accusations that they are exacerbating the youth vaping epidemic. This is particularly true in developing markets, where tobacco and vaping products can be more equivalent in price. One example is South Africa, where a recent study from (...)

February 04, 2025 by einpresswire.com

Advocacy organisations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific - In a united effort, representing millions of adult consumers who use nicotine products that do not involve combustion, have sent a letter to the Special Rapporteur to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The correspondence addresses recent comments made in a recent report regarding the validity of Tobacco Harm Reduction and urges the United Nations to recognize its importance in promoting public health.

January 22, 2025 by gfn.tv

In the second part of our series looking at Malawi's complicated relationship with tobacco production and smoking, Sahan Lungu joins us to explore whether a holistic approach to tobacco production and smoking could help Malawi minimise the harms related to combustible tobacco use.

January 15, 2025 by gfn.tv

Despite tobacco control efforts to phase out tobacco consumption around the world, a thorny issue remains - that there are many countries whose economy is fundamentally dependent on tobacco production. Amongst one of the largest producers of tobacco globally is Malawi, where tobacco makes up 60% of its exports. Sahan Lungu joins us to explore Malawi's complex relationship with tobacco in the first episode of our two part Malawi Special.

January 09, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com

Africa grapples with tobacco control amid rising popularity of nicotine products like pouches and e-cigarettes. Debate rages on prohibition versus regulation, with concerns about youth nicotine use and illicit markets. Strict policies and bans may contribute to black markets, with limited access to safer options. Evidence-based regulation aiming for harm reduction and informed consumer choice is favored over prohibition. Lessons from failed regulations, like South Africa's COVID-19 tobacco ban, emphasize the need for balanced, consumer-focused approaches. Thoughtful regulation in 2025 can enhance public health, empower consumers, and address nicotine consumption effectively in Africa.

December 04, 2024 by downtoearth.org.in

Integrating tobacco harm reduction (THR) products in Nigeria and Kenya could save 600,000 lives by 2060, cutting tobacco-related deaths. THR offers less harmful smoke-free nicotine alternatives like e-cigarettes, proven effective in other countries. Despite government approval, their use remains low. Strict regulations on THR products may hinder quitting efforts. Urgent collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and leaders is needed to make THR products accessible. The research aims to guide policymakers on implementing enhanced cessation programs for a healthier, smoke-free future. Understanding smoking dynamics in Nigeria and Kenya is crucial for successful interventions.

November 26, 2024 by smokefreesweden.org

Over 400,000 Nigerian lives could be saved by integrating safer nicotine products like vapes into tobacco control. Current tobacco-related deaths in Nigeria are high, but by adopting tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies, annual death toll could decrease to 7,600 by 2060. Successful THR implementation in countries like the UK and Sweden has reduced smoking rates. Leading health experts urge Nigerian policymakers to introduce THR products to save lives and improve public health. By offering less harmful alternatives, Nigeria can make significant progress in tobacco control. Embracing THR is crucial for Nigeria to lower tobacco-related diseases and set an example for Africa. For more information on THR success, visit www.smokefreesweden.org.