SAVE SMOKERS’ LIVES: HARM REDUCTION SPECIALISTS URGE POLICYMAKERS
Lawmakers in Kenya are being urged to utilize available opportunities to save lives and reduce the public health burden caused by cigarettes by advocating for safer alternatives.
Dr Michael Kariuki, Secretary-General of the Harm Reduction Society, said “Alternative nicotine products like regulated vapes and oral pouches are scientifically proven to be far less harmful than cigarettes and are the most successful method for helping smokers to quit.
“Regulation of these products is, of course, necessary, to protect children and the youth. However, that regulation should be evidence-based and proportionate to the risks posed, after taking into consideration the smokers who need these therapeutic products.” He added.
Joel Sawa, spokesperson for Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), said, “If smokers can’t or won’t quit, we need to help them switch to safer alternatives. The best way to save lives is to ensure that tobacco-free products like regulated nicotine pouches and vapes are affordable and accessible.
“Wiping them from the market leaves smokers with no option but to keep smoking. It’s unthinkable that policymakers are even considering indiscriminate, ill-informed, and non-evidence-based actions against them without any heed to this potential mishap.”
The experts were speaking at a joint press conference in Nairobi.