Public health experts and policymakers across Africa have called for science-driven approaches to guide tobacco regulation and harm reduction strategies.
The call was made during the 4th Harm Reduction Exchange held in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Enabling Innovation in Harm Reduction through Science-Led Regulation and Policymaking.”
The event brought together prominent figures, including Dr. Vivian Manyeki, Dr. Mohammed S. Eltaweel, and Wilson Box, alongside policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Discussions focused on innovative harm reduction strategies to address tobacco-related health issues, enhance public health outcomes, and curb illicit trade.
Dr. Vivian Manyeki emphasized the need for governments to prioritize harm reduction. “Harm reduction involves policies, programs, and practices aimed at minimizing the negative impacts of substances like tobacco and opioids,” she said.
Dr. Vivian Manyeki, a public health specialist from Kenya making her remarks at the fourth edition of the Harm Reduction Exchange in Nairobi Kenya.
Adding that the Governments must integrate these strategies by strengthening tobacco control laws, reinvesting tobacco tax revenue into public health, and increasing access to harm reduction tools.
Wilson Box highlighted disparities in tobacco regulation across Africa.
“While some nations align with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), others face resource constraints that hinder regulation. High-income countries have sophisticated frameworks, but low- and middle-income nations struggle to regulate novel nicotine products,” he explained.
Dr. Mohammed S. Eltaweel shared Egypt’s successes, stating that the government has embraced harm reduction strategies, including making buprenorphine available to treat opioid addiction and supporting regulated alternatives to cigarettes.”These measures have reduced the public health burden and social challenges.”
From left, Business man Linus Gitahi engages in a panel discussion with Emmanuel Mbenza Rocha from DRC, Dr Vivian Manyeki and Prof Issa Wone during the Harm Reduction Exchange in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr. Michael Kariuki, a Kenyan expert, underscored the safety of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), adding, “NRT products like patches and lozenges offer safer alternatives to smoking. They are safe, with no evidence linking them to cancer. The media must play a vital role in educating the public on harm reduction strategies.”
The conference also addressed regional differences in tobacco regulation. Kenya’s Tobacco Control Act (2007) distinguishes between combustible and non-combustible products, while Nigeria lacks specific provisions for non-combustibles, and Ghana prohibits non-tobacco harm-reduction products like shisha through its Food and Drugs Authority.
The event concluded with a unanimous call to embrace evidence-based policies to reduce health risks, save lives, and regulate tobacco and nicotine products more effectively.
