By Mukembo Wilfred
Tobacco Harm Reduction Uganda (THR-Uganda) officials have urged regulators and policymakers in Uganda to adopt a science-based approach to tobacco control that acknowledges the relative risks of different nicotine products and embraces harm reduction as a pragmatic and effective strategy.
Joel Sawa, the team leader at THRU asserts that by fostering an environment conducive to innovation and informed decision-making, they can work together to address the complex challenges posed by tobacco use while respecting the individual freedoms of consumption and autonomy of consumers.
He says despite regulatory challenges in Uganda, where current regulations unjustly restrict access to these products, they believe it is imperative to foster informed discussions that acknowledges the potential benefits of tobacco harm reduction strategies.
“Tobacco harm reduction encompasses a spectrum of approaches aimed at reducing the adverse health effects associated with tobacco use, including smoking cessation and transitioning to safer nicotine alternatives. As advocates for public health, it is incumbent upon us to explore and support innovative solutions that empower individuals to make informed choices about their health and well-being.
The research data consistently demonstrates that alternative nicotine products such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches present significantly lower health risks compared to traditional combustible tobacco products. These harm reduction tools have the potential to play a pivotal role in reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases, saving lives, and alleviating the strain on healthcare systems.” Said Joel Sawa.
Joel Sawa, says that Prohibitionist approaches only serve to perpetuate stigma, drive consumers towards illicit markets, and hinder access to potentially life-saving alternatives.
THR-Uganda cited out evidence from the United Kingdom which they assert demonstrates the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies in reducing smoking-related harm. Public Health England, among other reputable institutions, consistently endorsed the use of e-cigarettes as a less harmful alternative to smoking. They added that their comprehensive reviews have concluded that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking, with numerous studies highlighting its efficacy in aiding smoking cessation.
Furthermore, the UK’s progressive regulatory approach to vaping has contributed to a decline in smoking rates, particularly among young people. By endorsing vaping as a harm reduction tool and implementing regulations that ensure product safety and quality, the UK has successfully balanced public health objectives with individual freedoms.
Joel Sawa hence urged regulators and policymakers in Uganda to embrace the lessons learned from jurisdictions like the United Kingdom and adopt a science-based approach to tobacco control Research from jurisdictions with evidence-based tobacco policies underscores the importance of harm reduction principles in tobacco control efforts. By adopting similar approaches, Uganda can mitigate the devastating impact of tobacco-related diseases while respecting the individual freedoms of consumers to access safer nicotine alternatives.
Furthermore, he asserts that it is essential to recognize the principle of harm reduction as a fundamental component of public health strategy. By embracing harm reduction principles, policymakers can develop regulations that strike a balance between protecting public health and respecting individual freedoms of consumption.
Amoding Rebecca an advocate of Tobacco Harm Reduction has called for the amendment of the Tobacco Control Act 2015 to include safe ways of taking in nicotine for active smokers rather than making it a do or die situation as it is the case.
“Active smokers should be given a right to choose to either quit if they can or those addicted to have a switch process by using safer nicotine products like E-cigarettes, snows, vaping. What kills the smokers is the tar that coats on their lungs hence causing cancers, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases yet with E-cigarettes, snows, vaping you vap in and bring a cloud but it doesn’t have smoke hence it doesn’t affect the smoker or any other person.” Said Amoding
Joshua Omonuk also an advocate of Tobacco Harm Reduction refuted allegations of advocating for tobacco industry saying that they are instead addressing access to information in regards to tobacco harm reduction.
Joshua asserts that the government can reduce or avoid the burden of over 106 billion shillings it spends on treating tobacco related illness annually by embracing scientifically proven research and data like the alternative safer nicotine products and regulate them since people are addicted to nicotine and making them illegal put the addicts to more risky.
“What we are demanding is to let the information and options to be available for people because when the Tobacco Control act 2015 was passed even the things that are helpful to the cigarette smokers where considered illegal and smoker where only given an option of either quitting smoking or dying but we would like government using research to open up some avenues which are helpful.
We are not after bringing another type of cigarette or causing a disturbance. We want the policy makers to be empathetic and put themselves in the shoes of a smoker who wants to quit or a smoker who doesn’t want to quit but has a right to a good health ” Said Joshua
