Health experts urge tobacco harm reduction policies in Kenya and Nigeria

Public health experts in Kenya and Nigeria are advocating for the integration of tobacco harm reduction strategies into national policies to assist adult smokers in transitioning from combustible tobacco to less harmful alternatives.

In Kenya, stakeholders participating in public discussions regarding the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, have called for legislative refinements. Experts, including Dr. Michael Kariuki of the Harm Reduction Society of Kenya, argue that the bill needs clearer definitions for “tobacco control” and must distinguish between combustible cigarettes and non-combustible products like vapes and nicotine pouches. They expressed concern that treating all nicotine products identically could limit options for those attempting to quit smoking.

Similarly, in Nigeria, health advocates are urging the government to develop an evidence-based harm reduction framework. Consultant Godswill Iboma suggested that Nigeria’s existing tobacco control measures should be complemented by policies that consider emerging nicotine products. The goal is to provide smokers with accurate information regarding relative risks, allowing for informed decisions without romanticizing nicotine use or stigmatizing those unable to quit entirely.