Cheaper options solution to smoking menace, experts say
By Alvin.Mwangi, April 6, 2023Experts have called for greater access to affordable alternative nicotine products if the government intends to eradicate smoking.
Speaking yesterday during a conference dubbed Roadmap to a Smoke Free Society in Kenya, the experts said the Ministry of Health should embrace interventions used by Sweden like provision of oral nicotine-containing products and vapes.
Compared to the rest of Europe, Sweden has 44 per cent fewer tobacco-related deaths, a cancer rate that is 41 per cent lower and 38 per cent fewer deaths attributable to any cancer.
Michael Kariuki from The University of Nairobi said the “Swedish Model” is an example of tobacco harm reduction (THR) being used to drive down smoking rates and dramatically reduce smoking-related diseases.
“By supporting smoke-free alternatives such as snus and, in recent years, pouches and vapes, Sweden’s pragmatic, enlightened approach has delivered sensational public health gains. Kenya can emulate this success story if policymakers consider the needs of the consumer and adopt THR as the lifesaving strategy it has proved to be elsewhere,” said Dr Kariuki.
He urged legislators to work closely with researchers in dealing with smoking.
Some of the proposals the researchers want to be considered include the reduction of the high taxes imposed on alternatives.
“To beat smoking like Sweden, we urge our politicians to support harm reduction strategies and make smoke-free alternatives more affordable than cigarettes, thereby removing barriers to switching. Similarly, health professionals and smokers should be educated in the science involved, so that they can make informed choices,” he said.
Another researcher, Nick Mutisya, said alternative nicotine products should be regulated uniquely within a framework that recognises their potential to reduce the health burden associated with traditional tobacco products.
Every year, smoking and the use of tobacco-related products kill approximately 6,000 Kenyans aged 24 and above and about eight million people globally.