Read articles from Africa

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.

June 17, 2024 by witness.co.za

The prevalence of tobacco use in South Africa remains a leading cause of preventable deaths, the global adult tobacco survey (Gats) 2021 has found. The implementation of Gats in 2021 became South Africa’s first attempt to collect detailed data about tobacco use in the adult population. Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable deaths, morbidity and impoverishment globally and in South Africa.System could not access the page, the text article must be completed manually

May 29, 2024 by ntvkenya.co.ke

The government warns against the increased use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches among youth, despite efforts to reduce tobacco use. Novel nicotine products pose health risks and are often marketed as safer alternatives. Strides in tobacco control include implementing laws, establishing task forces, and awareness campaigns. Efforts align with World Health Organization themes, with a focus on protecting children from tobacco industry interference. Kenya is committed to enforcing health policies, resisting industry influence, and promoting cessation services. Celebratory activities include clinics, school initiatives, and highlighting successes in combating tobacco. The ministry aims to ensure accessible cessation services to address challenges.

May 10, 2024 by nation.africa

Joseph Magero shares his journey from smoking to vaping, advocating for safer alternatives for smokers. He founded Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA) to educate and provide access to harm reduction tools in Africa. Despite proven benefits of vaping over smoking by global health bodies, Kenya's proposed graphic warnings on nicotine pouches and vapes ignore scientific evidence. CASA urges the Ministry of Health to reconsider these warnings to help smokers switch to safer alternatives. Drawing on Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates through harm reduction, CASA emphasizes the importance of accurate risk communication for public health.

May 07, 2024 by kenyans.co.ke

In April 2024, Kenya's Ministry of Health proposed graphic warnings for tobacco-free nicotine products like vapes and pouches, despite scientific evidence showing their lower risk compared to cigarettes. Public health advocates argue that misleading warnings could deter smokers from switching to safer alternatives. Research supports that nicotine alternatives are effective in smoking cessation, with vapes being twice as effective as traditional methods. The Ministry of Health is currently gathering public feedback on the proposed warnings, with concerns that misinforming smokers could prevent life-saving switches.

May 07, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Kenya's Ministry of Health is seeking public input on a plan requiring cigarette manufacturers to include graphic health warnings covering 80% of packaging. The initiative aims to educate about tobacco risks, discourage use, and reduce consumption. With 8.6% of Kenyans smoking in 2020, the government aims to cut this to under 5% by 2025. However, the tobacco industry argues the plan fails to differentiate between cigarettes and safer nicotine products like pouches. They advocate for separate regulations for tobacco and nicotine items.