Leading Healthcare Advocate Urges Evidence-Based Tobacco Harm Reduction Policies
Dr Letlape's expert perspective on tobacco harm reduction, the science behind it, and the need for rational regulation took centre stage at the virtual gathering.
Online— Leading healthcare advocate and former President of the World Medical Association, Dr Kgosi Letlape, delivered a passionate address advocating for evidence-based tobacco harm reduction policies during an online Ask Me Session, Informative Session on Science and Harm Reduction session organized by Integra Africa with support from Phillip Morris, writes Winston Mwale.
Dr Letlape's expert perspective on tobacco harm reduction, the science behind it, and the need for rational regulation took centre stage at the virtual gathering.
Dr Letlape's distinguished career as an ophthalmologist, coupled with his extensive leadership roles in the healthcare sector, lends weight to his perspective on public health issues.
He opened the session by underscoring the urgent need for science-driven strategies in address the harms associated with tobacco use.
"In South Africa and beyond, we are facing an impending challenge with proposed new tobacco bills, some of which are heading towards a prohibitive stance. However, we must not forget the core issue: tobacco-related diseases primarily result from combustion," said Dr Letlape.
"To reduce harm, we must focus on less harmful non-combustible products available in the market. The key problem we face is combustion."
Dr Letlape drew attention to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), adopted in 2003, and its limitations in addressing the evolving landscape of tobacco alternatives.
At that time, the FCTC primarily considered traditional tobacco consumption methods.
The emergence of innovative alternatives such as electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn products, and nicotine pouches has reshaped the tobacco industry.
He pointed out the incongruity of the FCTC's applicability to these emerging products, stating, "When the FCTC was adopted, there was essentially only one alternative to combustion—snus. The world has changed since then. We now have a range of new options, each with its own risk profile."
Dr Letlape stressed the importance of regulatory frameworks rooted in science and evidence.
"Our policies must be based on what we know, not what we fear," he asserted.
"Regulation is necessary, but it must be guided by scientific findings. We need to create a legislative framework that improves access to safer alternatives while ensuring informed choices."
He emphasized the need for open dialogue, even with the tobacco industry, drawing parallels to other fields where stakeholders causing harm have been engaged in finding solutions.
"You can't tackle a problem without involving those contributing to it. This principle applies not only to tobacco but also to issues like climate change," he noted.
In concluding his address, Dr Letlape highlighted the importance of accountability in the healthcare profession.
"Healthcare professionals must be held accountable for disseminating accurate information and adhering to ethical standards," he said.
"Harm reduction is a vital part of our approach, grounded in science and aimed at improving public health."
Dr Letlape's call for evidence-based tobacco harm reduction policies serves as a thought-provoking contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding tobacco regulation.
His expertise, combined with his commitment to public health, adds a compelling dimension to the discourse on safeguarding public health while respecting individual choices in an ever-evolving landscape of tobacco alternatives.