Experts Call for More Research to Support Harm Reduction Concept
The theme for this year's harm reduction exchange was "Amplifying the Voice of Harm Reduction Advocacy Across Africa."
Nairobi, Kenya— Health experts have emphasized the need for additional research on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) products to provide a stronger evidence base for the harm reduction concept, writes Josephine Chinele.
Harm reduction is an approach that aims to mitigate the negative consequences of certain health behaviours without necessarily eradicating those behaviours completely or permanently.
Experts believe that THR can benefit from the same concept that has been effective in public health areas, such as promoting condom use for safe sex, male circumcision for HIV prevention, and the use of seat belts to prevent accident-related injuries.
Kenyan-based medical doctor and advocate, Mercy Korir, made this call during the third hybrid harm reduction exchange meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya this week.
Korir stated, “While harm reduction has proven to be useful in various public health areas, including those mentioned, there appear to be numerous misconceptions surrounding THR. This underscores the importance of gathering more evidence-based information."
Dr. Korir emphasised that research efforts should also include community engagement.
"We must remember that we are addressing harmful practices. To communicate the THR model effectively, we must adopt a non-judgmental approach," she said.
South African-based harm reduction advocate and medical doctor, Dr. Kgosi Letlape, stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders, including government policymakers, civil society organizations, and international regulators like the World Health Organization.
Dr. Letlape emphasized, "Continuing research is necessary to ensure evidence-based information. I also urge African governments to consider funding their research rather than relying solely on external funders. Government-funded research makes it easier to appreciate the cultural aspects of harm reduction."
Chimwemwe Ngoma, a harm reduction advocate at THR Malawi, highlighted the need for Malawi to explore harm reduction approaches for nicotine addiction.
Ngoma urged the country to learn from other nations that have successfully managed nicotine addiction through harm reduction, like the United Kingdom and Sweden.
"Malawi needs to take an interest in and learn from other countries that are already doing well in managing nicotine addiction through harm reduction, such as the United Kingdom and Sweden. It shouldn’t take the path of coming up with punitive laws on tobacco smokers,” said Ngoma.
Malawi ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in August 2023. The FCTC, developed in response to the global tobacco epidemic, aims to promote public health and enhance international health cooperation.
The Convention underscores the importance of strategies to reduce both the demand for and supply of tobacco, providing a framework for tobacco control measures at national, regional, and international levels.
Adrian Chikumbe, spokesperson for the Malawi Ministry of Health (MoH), told AfricaBrief, "Malawi ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in August 2023. Just like the WHO is looking at these products cautiously, more data is needed before these products are fully endorsed as a means to reduce tobacco-related illnesses."
By taking a proactive stance, the MoH aims to reduce tobacco-related harms in Malawi and promote public health through harm reduction approaches.
The theme for this year's harm reduction exchange was "Amplifying the Voice of Harm Reduction Advocacy Across Africa."