Science Key To Tobacco Harm Reduction In Africa
Rocha stressed prevention, calling for public health professionals to adopt scientific approaches to educating about smoking dangers.
NAIROBI, Kenya— A leading tobacco harm reduction expert called for science-driven approaches to reduce smoking risks across Africa, presenting research showing alternative nicotine products could help smokers quit, writes Winston Mwale.
Emmanuel Mbenza Rocha, a harm reduction advocate from the Democratic Republic of Congo, told international delegates and experts Tuesday that electronic cigarettes and smokeless nicotine products offer promising cessation tools.
"Since January 2024, there have been more than 88 studies carried out by experts in the field which reveal that electronic cigarettes containing nicotine can be an effective tool for quitting smoking," Rocha said.
Research indicates these products could help four out of 100 smokers quit, significantly outperforming traditional nicotine replacement therapies.
A 2020-2021 British American Tobacco report found smokers switching to heated tobacco products experienced reduced exposure to toxic substances.
Rocha advocated for a balanced cessation approach, emphasizing the need for careful transition to avoid relapse.
"To avoid rushing the cessation process, there needs to be an adequate transition to quit without relapse to smoking, which is more harmful," he explained.
The expert recommended several policy interventions, including:
Increased taxes on nicotine products containing smoke
Restrictions on sales and consumption points
Health fines for non-compliant smokers
Campaigns to prevent non-smokers from starting
Rocha stressed prevention, calling for public health professionals to adopt scientific approaches to educating about smoking dangers.
He urged prohibiting tobacco access for non-smokers and increasing awareness of combustion-related health risks.
Drawing from personal experience, Rocha shared his journey of quitting smoking.
He concluded with a philosophical note, quoting, "Science without conscience is but the ruin of the soul," and emphasized science's potential to save rather than destroy.