Read articles from Africa

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.

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.