Read articles from Africa

August 30, 2024 by ahra.info

Nicotine pouches are proven to be significantly safer alternatives to combustible cigarettes and are assisting millions of smokers worldwide to quit their habit. They have played a major role in the success of Sweden, which is on the brink of becoming the first country to achieve official smoke-free status.

But, from today, smokers across Canada will be banned from buying these lifesaving products over the counter. It will also be illegal to buy pouches with flavours that have been shown to help smokers kick their deadly addiction.

August 29, 2024 by capitalfm.co.ke

Reduced-risk tobacco-free products, such as vapes and nicotine pouches, are proven to be the most successful tool for helping smokers make the critical switch from traditional cigarettes to less harmful alternatives. These innovative products offer a lifeline to millions, providing a way to satisfy nicotine cravings without exposing users to the carcinogens and harmful toxins found in combustible tobacco. Yet, some opponents seem intent on overlooking this lifesaving potential, fixating instead on a misguided opposition to anything related to nicotine consumption. It is crucial to (...)

August 27, 2024 by businessday.ng

Vaping is not a perfect solution, but it is a safer alternative to smoking. By vaporising a liquid solution containing pharmaceutical-grade nicotine instead of burning tobacco, it eliminates the harmful combustion by-products released by burning tobacco that cause the majority of smoking-related diseases. The Royal College of Physicians estimates that vaping is likely to be much safer than smoking, with some studies suggesting it may be at least 95 percent safer.

August 23, 2024 by vaping360.com

A bill introduced in Kenya’s parliament would impose serious restrictions on vaping products and nicotine pouches, making them less attractive and less available to ordinary Kenyans. The new bill will, if passed, amend the country's Tobacco Control Act to redefine “smoking” to include vaping, thus including vaping in all existing smoking restrictions, including advertising and public use. All online sales and advertising would be banned.

August 20, 2024 by ahra.info

The principal object of the Bill is to amend the Tobacco Control Act, to make further provisions for the regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems. According to the Health Ministry, the current Tobacco Control Act passed in 2007, did not anticipate non-tobacco products such as nicotine pouches. The bill also seeks to ensure that no nicotine or electronic nicotine systems are manufactured, distributed, imported, or sold in Kenya without the prior authorization of the Cabinet Secretary responsible for health.

August 20, 2024 by tribuneonlineng.com

As the world continues to grapple with the devastating health impacts of smoking, countries like Nigeria must consider Sweden’s groundbreaking approach to tobacco harm reduction. Sweden’s model has revolutionised the fight against smoking, and there are invaluable lessons to be learned. Recent research highlights the effectiveness of various alternative products. Among respondents, 60 percent perceive Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) as the most effective alternative product, while (...)

August 16, 2024 by businessday.ng

Sweden's successful harm reduction model, including the use of Snus and other nicotine alternatives, has significantly reduced smoking rates and associated health risks. Nigeria can learn from Sweden by increasing accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of harm reduction products to tackle its high smoking rates. With nearly 30,000 smoking-related deaths in 2022 and 4.5 million current smokers, Nigeria faces a pressing public health challenge. Emulating Sweden's approach could lead to improved outcomes and a smoke-free future. The Swedish model's success underscores the need for diverse cessation options, public awareness campaigns, and reduced taxes on safer nicotine products.

July 25, 2024 by thecable.ng

In the early 2000s, Sweden had and adopted the concepts and ideals behind Tobacco Harm Reduction when it introduced Snus, a smokeless tobacco product that has since become a national phenomenon. Snus is placed under the upper lip and does not require smoking. Its popularity in Sweden has contributed to a significant public health triumph. Today, over 20% of Swedish men (…)

July 11, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Prioritizing evidence-based harm reduction strategies for smoking can enhance healthcare by reducing health risks and offering safer alternatives. These strategies, proven effective in addressing drug use and HIV, can also benefit tobacco users. With over a billion smokers worldwide, South Africa faces significant health and economic consequences due to smoking. Harm reduction tools like nicotine-replacement products and noncombustible alternatives show promise in saving lives. While encouraging smoking cessation is ideal, harm reduction strategies cater to those who struggle to quit. Despite opposition, focusing on harm reduction in public health education and healthcare delivery is crucial for promoting healthier behaviors like smoking cessation.

July 11, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Prioritizing evidence-based harm reduction strategies for smoking can enhance healthcare by reducing health risks and offering safer alternatives. These strategies, proven effective in addressing drug use and HIV, can also benefit tobacco users. With over a billion smokers worldwide, South Africa faces significant health and economic consequences due to smoking. Harm reduction tools like nicotine-replacement products and noncombustible alternatives show promise in saving lives. While encouraging smoking cessation is ideal, harm reduction strategies cater to those who struggle to quit. Despite opposition, focusing on harm reduction in public health education and healthcare delivery is crucial for promoting healthier behaviors like smoking cessation.