Experts Urge Adoption of Harm Reduction Strategies to Combat Tobacco Risks
Participants discussed the influence of peer pressure on youth smoking initiation and the need for effective communication strategies to promote safer alternatives.
Nairobi, Kenya—An expert roundtable on harm reduction convened Tuesday at the JW Marriott Hotel, bringing together leading practitioners from across Africa to discuss innovative approaches to reduce the health impacts of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, writes Winston Mwale.
The event, which featured 25 key scientific opinion leaders, focused on the theme, “Harm Reduction and Public Health,” as Kenya prepares to launch smoke-free products.
Dr. Mercy Korir, an award-winning Kenyan medical doctor and journalist, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of reducing the negative consequences associated with substance use.
“Whether we are addressing the impacts of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol, the core principle is the same: reducing the negative consequences while acknowledging individual behaviours and societal contexts,” she said.
Dr. Korir highlighted the need to harmonize science, policy, and practice to foster innovation in the harm reduction space.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Martin Agwogie, Founder and Executive Director of the Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA) from Nigeria.
He provided a comprehensive overview of harm reduction, focusing on its application to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
“The message behind harm reduction is ‘come as you are,’ rather than ‘you have to quit, just say NO!’” Agwogie stated, underscoring the importance of meeting individuals where they are in their substance use journey.
Professor Karl Fagerström, a renowned tobacco harm reduction expert, joined the discussion virtually from Sweden.
He shared insights into nicotine science and the behavioural aspects of tobacco use, stating, “When referring to tobacco users, we cannot use the term nicotine dependence. Tobacco is much more than nicotine.”
His remarks highlighted the multifaceted motivations behind tobacco use, which extend beyond mere addiction.
Dr. Mohamed S. Eltaweel, a psychiatrist from Egypt, stressed the importance of integrating tobacco harm reduction into clinical practice. He discussed the complex psychological approaches necessary for effective smoking cessation.
“Each patient must be handled carefully, as smoking and cessation are sensitive matters with numerous contributing factors,” he explained, calling for tailored approaches to help individuals quit smoking.
Nancy Mukabana Omulima, Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, addressed the legal and regulatory challenges facing tobacco harm reduction in Kenya.
She advocated for increased local scientific research and data collection to inform policymakers.
“Leaders must understand the positive and negative impacts of tobacco harm reduction to guide future policies,” she said.
A panel discussion followed, titled “The Policy Landscape for Tobacco Harm Reduction Within the Kenyan Context.”
Dr. Benson Chuma of the Harm Reduction Society (Kenya) highlighted the complexities of the tobacco industry and the challenges of implementing harm reduction policies.
“It’s not straightforward; the conversation around tobacco is difficult to have,” he noted.
Dr. Edwin Mbugua, also from the Harm Reduction Society, emphasized that scientific evidence is crucial for informing effective tobacco harm reduction strategies.
During the Q&A session, Yemi Gimba Williams from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria remarked, “Harm reduction is a journey, not a destination,” encapsulating the ongoing effort to address tobacco-related harm.
The final keynote was delivered by Joseph Magero, Chairman of The Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), who discussed the importance of consumer advocacy in addressing youth initiation and prevention strategies.
He stressed that tobacco harm reduction advocacy must prioritize responsible access and robust education to safeguard future generations.
The roundtable concluded with a panel on “Balancing Risks and Benefits – Youth Use, Research Gaps, and the Way Forward for THR.”
Participants discussed the influence of peer pressure on youth smoking initiation and the need for effective communication strategies to promote safer alternatives.
In her closing remarks, Harm Reduction Advocate Dr. Vivianne Manyeki highlighted the significance of engaging with harm reduction as a means of mitigating risks.
“People feel that risk-reduced products are simply moving someone from one risky product to another. Yet it is about engaging with the lesser evil,” she said.
As discussions continue, the call for a comprehensive approach to harm reduction in Africa becomes increasingly urgent, aiming to improve public health outcomes and reduce tobacco-related risks across the continent.