Africa Needs Clearer Harm Reduction Policies: Expert
Comparing regulatory approaches, the expert noted that Nigeria's Tobacco Control Act fails to differentiate between combustible and non-combustible cigarettes.
NAIROBI, Kenya— A Nigerian research director has called for comprehensive harm reduction policies across Africa, highlighting critical gaps in tobacco product regulation and classification, writes Winston Mwale.
Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, Director-General of Nigeria's Raw Materials Research & Development Council, told international harm reduction experts Tuesday that inconsistent product guidelines and taxation strategies impede effective tobacco harm reduction across the continent.
"The classification debate shapes policy, regulation, and public health approaches on Tobacco Harm Reduction products," Ike-Muonso stated during the expert roundtable.
The expert's comprehensive review revealed significant regulatory disparities among African nations.
While Nigeria lacks specific guidelines for tobacco harm reduction (THR) products, Kenya and Ghana have implemented varying levels of tobacco control regulations.
Ike-Muonso outlined key requirements for effective THR product regulation:
Basic product testing protocols
Responsible labeling and advertising standards
Scientific evidence-based risk-reduction claims
Post-marketing epidemiological studies
Consumer education initiatives
Comparing regulatory approaches, the expert noted that Nigeria's Tobacco Control Act fails to differentiate between combustible and non-combustible cigarettes.
Kenya has attempted more nuanced product categorization, while Ghana has taken a stricter approach by declaring certain non-tobacco harm reduction products illegal.
Pricing presents a significant barrier to harm reduction, Ike-Muonso reported.
In Nigeria, e-cigarettes and vaping products are substantially more expensive than traditional cigarettes. A 10 ml e-juice container costs $10, compared to $1.25 for a traditional cigarette pack.
Taxation policies further complicate harm reduction efforts. Nigeria applies uniform taxation to all tobacco products, while Kenya implements higher taxes on e-cigarettes to discourage youth consumption.
The expert highlighted additional challenges:
Uncontrolled sale of e-cigarettes
Inadequate product quality surveillance
Limited public awareness
Inconsistent regulatory enforcement
Ike-Muonso's analysis covered regulatory environments in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, revealing:
Nigeria lacks specific THR product guidelines
Kenya has more comprehensive tobacco control regulations
Ghana prohibits certain non-tobacco harm-reduction products
The presentation emphasized the need for:
Consistent product classification
Differential taxation strategies
Enhanced public awareness
Robust monitoring of harm-reduction products
"THR and reduced-risk products are typically available through licensed retailers," Ike-Muonso explained, "but current regulations fail to address critical public health concerns."
Concluding his presentation, the expert called for a comprehensive approach to harm reduction that considers both individual behaviours and broader social contexts.