Read articles from Africa

November 13, 2024 by thecable.ng

Tobacco use remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, responsible for more than 8 million deaths annually worldwide. Despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns, over 1.1 billion people still smoke, and the numbers remain stubbornly high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, the healthcare burden caused by smoking-related diseases continues to strain resources, yet millions of smokers find it difficult or impossible to quit.

November 08, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Kurt Yeo founded Vaping Saved My Life in 2017 to share ex-smokers' success stories in South Africa. He switched to vaping after a 20-year smoking habit and losing his father to smoking-related issues. Despite facing misinformation, he persisted in helping others quit smoking through vaping. The vaping community in South Africa began to develop after products were imported from Europe and the US. Kurt's advocacy work expanded through the testimonial portal, which now has 720 testimonials. He highlights the lack of organized cessation help in South Africa and emphasizes the need to support smokers wanting to quit.

November 07, 2024 by meer.com

The rise of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENNDS) among youth worldwide poses significant public health challenges. Despite marketed as safer alternatives, these products contribute to a cycle of addiction and health risks. In Kenya, these products are increasingly popular, with concerns about youth addiction and environmental impact. Similar trends are observed in Asia, Europe, and the USA, where marketing tactics target young users. Initiatives to regulate and tax these products face obstacles, including illicit trade.

October 31, 2024 by businessday.ng

Tobacco use remains a major global public health challenge, causing over 8 million deaths annually. Despite anti-smoking efforts, 1.1 billion people still smoke, especially in low-income countries. Sweden's success in becoming smoke-free involved public health campaigns and safer nicotine alternatives. Nigeria could benefit from adopting a harm reduction strategy, as not all smokers can quit. Safer alternatives like nicotine vapes can reduce smoking-related diseases. This approach saves lives and healthcare costs. Collaborative efforts are crucial in regulating and promoting these alternatives. By following Sweden's lead, Nigeria could achieve a smoke-free future and improve public health outcomes.

October 28, 2024 by myjoyonline.com

Combustible tobacco remains a major cause of preventable disease globally, leading to serious health consequences from nicotine addiction and tar exposure. As the world addresses tobacco-related illnesses, many countries are turning to Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), an approach focused on reducing smoking's health risks by offering safer alternatives. The THR approach is particularly pressing in high-smoking regions. Ghana, in particular, stands at a crucial juncture, where embracing strategies based on controlled approaches—like "quit or switch"—could reduce tobacco-related diseases, marking a shift from the traditional "Quit or Die" stance to a more flexible, life-saving approach.

October 04, 2024 by africasciencenews.org

Kenyan stakeholders push for higher tobacco taxes to combat youth consumption and health risks. Celine Awuor advocates for increased taxes to deter young people from starting smoking habits early. Current cigarette taxes in Kenya fall below WHO recommendations. Challenges exist in taxing new tobacco products like Oral Nicotine Pouches and e-cigarettes due to weak tax regulations. The Tobacco Control Act of 2007 needs updating to cover emerging smokeless products. Dr. Naom Shaban emphasizes the need for higher taxes to deter tobacco use. Illegal tobacco products pose a challenge, prompting collaboration between the Tobacco Control Board and Kenya Revenue Authority.

October 03, 2024 by lww.com

Public health policies are crucial in safeguarding the well-being of communities, particularly in low and middle-income regions like Africa, where social, political, environmental, and economic conditions create numerous health vulnerabilities. The challenges range from infectious diseases like Ebola virus disease, yellow fever, tuberculosis, malaria, and cholera to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and cancers, which are often exacerbated by high-risk behaviors like tobacco use.

September 26, 2024 by nyasatimes.com

Millions of lives are lost annually due to tobacco, with Malawi recording 5,400 tobacco-related deaths in 2021. Efforts by local organizations, like Tobacco Harm Reduction Malawi, are crucial to combat this issue. Sahan Lungu leads the charge by promoting safer alternatives and educating communities. Community involvement is essential for tailored messaging and sustainable change. Alexander Thomas Mboma focuses on training healthcare providers while World Vision Malawi supports tobacco-growing communities by offering education and alleviating poverty. By engaging communities in harm reduction initiatives, the goal is to make efforts more inclusive, effective, and sustainable for better health outcomes.

September 03, 2024 by peopledaily.digital

Kenya can reduce adult smokers by 2.5 million through new WHO tobacco cessation guidelines. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlights the importance of these guidelines. They refute the tobacco industry's claims about safer alternatives like e-cigarettes. WHO notes challenges faced by health systems in offering cessation services. Effective methods include pharmacotherapy and behavioral support. The tobacco industry targets the youth with appealing products. Zaha Indimuli emphasizes parental vigilance to prevent youth addiction. Over 8,000 Kenyans die annually from tobacco-related diseases.

September 02, 2024 by chimpreports.com

THR Uganda urges the Ugandan government to amend the Tobacco Control Act to provide solutions for smokers wanting to quit. A survey in Lira and Bukedea districts revealed high percentages of smokers with health issues and difficulty quitting. Most smokers started at a young age and struggle to stop despite awareness of risks. The current law lacks support for addicted individuals, with 90% of users stating it didn't help them quit. THR Uganda advocates for empathetic help and safer nicotine alternatives. The CEO emphasizes the urgency, citing cigarette-related deaths as a significant concern in Uganda.