South Africa’s Youth Vaping Crisis: What the Study and Headlines Leave Out
June 18, 2026 by thrglobal.org
South Africa’s Youth Vaping Crisis: What the Study and Headlines Leave Out
Before accepting dominant narratives on nicotine, the evidence deserves closer examination. Claims about vaping, youth uptake or harm reduction often become policy arguments before the data are properly tested. When evidence shows declining smoking, falling youth vaping or major differences in relative risk, public health should adjust its assumptions. Better nicotine policy starts with asking whether the narrative fits the facts.
23.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 10.9 million current smokers in South Africa 39.30% of men are current smokers but only 8.50% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
