As Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate the World no tobacco day, Tobacco Harm Reduction activists have called for measures to end the harmful effects caused by tobacco use especially cigarette smoking.
Addressing the media, Joel Sawa the Team Leader at Tobacco Harm Reduction Uganda (THR Uganda) said that this year’s theme “commit to quit” highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to help smokers transition to safer alternatives.
Sawa said the current Tobacco Control Act 2016 has laid a strong foundation to their fight against tobacco. He however, said to truly make a difference they must enhance a legislative framework to support new scientifically backed nicotine alternatives such as electronic cigarette and hited tobacco products which he believes can play a significant role in reducing the health burden associated with smoking adding that they must be accessible, affordable and widely available.
Rebecca Amoding, the secretary to THR Uganda emphasized that adapting the Tobacco Control Act of 2016 to support a harm reduction approach is expected to yield significant public health benefits.
She said by facilitating the switch from combustible cigarettes to low-risk nicotine alternatives, Uganda can reduce the incidence of smoking-related diseases and mortality.
She believes that ensuring that these alternatives are accessible, affordable, and available will make it easier for smokers to transition away from harmful tobacco use. She says the approach not only protects current smokers but also creates a healthier environment for future generations.
Tobacco Harm Reduction Uganda is an organization committed to advancing policies that promote safer alternatives to smoking. Working with health professionals, policymakers, and the public, the organization aims to reduce the health impacts of tobacco use through evidence-based harm reduction strategies.
