Tobacco harm reduction strategy ‘will save lives of 184,000 Kenyans’
Almost 200,000 Kenyan lives will be saved if policymakers adopt a more progressive approach to alternative nicotine products, according to ground-breaking new research by leading international health experts.
A landmark report released on 19 November by tobacco harm reduction (THR) experts highlights the alarming prevalence of smoking in Kenya, where 19.7% of adult men smoke.
In 2019, tobacco-related illnesses claimed the lives of 12,000 Kenyans, according to the report Saving 600,000 Lives in Nigeria and Kenya. While the World Health Organization (WHO) projects that current tobacco control measures will reduce this toll to 8,000 by 2060, the authors argue that this number remains far too high.
By integrating THR products into Kenya’s public health strategy, they say that tobacco-related deaths could be cut by more than half, saving an estimated 184,000 lives by 2060.
“Our research shows that tobacco harm reduction is the missing piece in Kenya’s fight against smoking-related disease,” said report author Derek Yach, a former leader of the Foundation for a Smoke Free World. “By adopting safer alternatives like vapes and nicotine pouches, we could significantly lower the toll of tobacco-related deaths and offer smokers a much healthier option to quit.”
Globally, an estimated 120 to 140 million people use THR products, which are proven to be the most effective tools for smoking cessation. In countries such as the UK, Sweden, Japan and New Zealand, increased use of these products has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of people smoking combustible cigarettes, the leading cause of tobacco-related diseases.
“The evidence from countries that have embraced tobacco harm reduction is clear: these products help people quit smoking,” said co-author Dr. Delon Human, leader of Smoke-Free Sweden and co-founder of the African Harm Reduction Alliance. “Kenya can avoid unnecessary deaths by adopting these proven tools to complement existing tobacco control efforts.
As Kenyan lawmakers consider a new tobacco bill, they have a unique opportunity. They should embrace a balanced tobacco control policy that includes both regulation of conventional tobacco products and access to safer alternatives for smokers looking to quit.“
“Tobacco harm reduction is about giving Kenyan smokers a realistic path to quit. We believe that with the right policy choices, Kenya can lead Africa in reducing smoking-related harm and improving the health of its people.”
