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Tobacco Harm Reduction
Context:
Research indicates adopting Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) products could save 600,000 lives in Nigeria and Kenya by 2060. Despite the proven benefits, these innovations are yet to be widely embraced by governments and healthcare professionals.
The Tobacco Epidemic in Nigeria and Kenya
- Annual Death Toll: Tobacco-related diseases cause 26,851 deaths in Nigeria and 12,000 in Kenya annually.
- Health Risks: Smoking contributes to ischaemic heart disease, stroke, tuberculosis, and lung cancer.
- Smoking Prevalence: WHO projects smoking rates to decrease in Kenya (from 20.5% in 2000 to 8.6% by 2025) and Nigeria (from 94% in 2000 to 26% by 2025).
THR Products: A Safer Alternative
- Examples of THR Products: E-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, snus, oral nicotine pouches, and e-shisha.
- Mechanism: THR products deliver nicotine without the harmful substances in traditional tobacco products.
- Global Success: Countries like Sweden, the UK, the US, and Japan have significantly reduced smoking rates through THR adoption.
Projected Benefits of THR Adoption
- Lives Saved by 2060: THR could save 416,000 lives in Nigeria and 184,000 in Kenya.
- Reduction in Death Toll: Tobacco-related deaths could decrease annually to 7,600 in Nigeria and 3,400 in Kenya.
Barriers to THR Adoption
- Low Uptake: Despite the availability of THR products in both countries, adoption remains limited among smokers.
- Regulatory Challenges: Kenya’s proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to regulate THR products but risks deterring users through strict regulations.
- Lack of Awareness: Governments and healthcare professionals have not fully embraced THR as a tool for cutting premature deaths.
Recommendations for a Smoke-Free Future
- Collaboration: Governments, healthcare professionals, and community leaders must work together to promote THR products.
- Accessibility and Affordability: THR products should be made accessible and affordable to encourage adoption.
- Local Research: High-quality research is needed to understand the smoking epidemic’s dynamics and the most effective interventions.
- Enhanced Cessation Programs: Better cessation programs and access to lung cancer diagnostics and treatment are crucial.
