The Building Block Secret to Changing Tobacco Policy
May 13, 2026 by gfn.tv
The Building Block Secret to Changing Tobacco Policy
Debates around tobacco harm reduction are increasingly exposing tensions between public health messaging and institutional behaviour. Critics argue that some organisations continue to reject lower-risk nicotine alternatives while simultaneously supporting policies that have failed to reduce smoking effectively. The discussion highlights what is seen as a growing disconnect between scientific evidence, consumer experiences and regulatory narratives. Concerns are also raised about selective framing of risk, particularly when safer alternatives are treated similarly to combustible cigarettes. At the centre of the debate lies a broader question of consistency, credibility and whether public health policies are being applied evenly across different forms of nicotine use.
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
