This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
Published on November 19, 2019, the debate on vaping and tobacco harm reduction has received little attention in Africa, despite its growing popularity in the West.
Developed nations are grappling with reducing the harm caused by smoking, which can lead to serious health effects and even cancer. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has developed a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which includes measures such as higher prices and taxes for tobacco products, protection from exposure to tobacco smoke, and regulation of tobacco product disclosures.
Studies have shown that nicotine is not the primary cause of tobacco-related diseases and death, but rather the toxins and carcinogens in tobacco smoke. Electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn, and other smokeless tobacco products do not combust, making them less likely to be as harmful as smoking cigarettes.
As a result, there is a growing trend towards tobacco harm reduction, with scientists investing in the development of safer alternatives to combustible cigarettes. These alternatives include heated tobacco products and nicotine delivery systems that do not burn tobacco.
According to WHO statistics, there are approximately 1.1 billion smokers worldwide, accounting for about a seventh of the global population. If we encouraged the development of these new 'smoke-free' technologies, we could reduce the incidence of smokers dying from lung cancer or heart disease.
Authorities should consider informing citizens of products that reduce the harm caused by burning tobacco, without promoting them. This would allow them to interact with emerging science and determine whether and how to encourage smokers to move to products that reduce the incidence of carcinogens.
As the science evolves, we may see a significantly smoke-free world in 30 years. Kenya and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa must not be left out of these scientific conversations that could bring huge savings to our public health sector.
