Global tobacco harm reduction policy debates

Public health discussions regarding tobacco regulation and nicotine alternatives have expanded from regional legislative debates in Africa to broader policy reviews in Europe.

In Kenya and Nigeria, health experts are advocating for tobacco harm reduction strategies. In Kenya, stakeholders participating in discussions on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, have called for clearer definitions to distinguish between combustible cigarettes and non-combustible products like vapes. Similarly, advocates in Nigeria are urging the development of an evidence-based framework to provide smokers with information on relative risks.

In the European Union, the European Commission is reviewing the Tobacco Products Directive to support a goal of a ‘tobacco-free generation’ by 2040. This review addresses the growth of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. Debates have intensified over whether strict regulations might inadvertently drive former smokers back to traditional cigarettes. At the 9th Summit on Tobacco Harm Reduction, medical experts further emphasized that while no nicotine product is entirely safe, policies must recognize that different products carry varying levels of risk.