Tobacco Harm Reduction Uganda calls for adoption of science-based approaches to tobacco control
Their advocacy work that has been on for quite some time stresses the need to prioritize public health and individual choices, which is imperative to foster informed discussions, that acknowledge the potential benefits of tobacco harm reduction strategies.
Activists from Tobacco Harm Reduction Uganda have emphasized the importance of evidence-based regulation and harm reduction principles, while advocating for informed discussions and policy changes regarding tobacco harm reduction and low-risk nicotine alternatives in Uganda.
Their advocacy work that has been on for quite some time stresses the need to prioritize public health and individual choices, which is imperative to foster informed discussions, that acknowledge the potential benefits of tobacco harm reduction strategies.
Joel Sawa, the team leader at Tobacco Harm Reduction Uganda, explained that so far, they have engaged some stakeholders especially from the ministry of health, who have shown interest in pushing such policies that change narratives of smoking in Uganda.
Sawa urged regulators and policymakers in Uganda to embrace the lessons learned from jurisdictions like in the United Kingdom and adopt a science-based approach to tobacco control.
“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,” he said.
Evidence from the United Kingdom demonstrates the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies in reducing smoking-related harm.
Sawa noted that the Public Health England, among other reputable institutions, has consistently endorsed the use of e-cigarettes as a less harmful alternative to smoking.
“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,” he explained.
Research from jurisdictions with evidence-based tobacco policies underscores the importance of harm reduction principles in tobacco control efforts.
By adopting similar approaches, Sawa highlighted that Uganda can mitigate the devastating impact of tobacco-related diseases, while respecting the rights of consumers to access safer nicotine alternatives.
“The researched 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,”
The organization noted that 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.
In order to strengthen their call, THR Uganda has 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.
By fostering an environment conducive to innovation and informed decision-making, Sawa hopes that they can work together to address the complex challenges posed by tobacco use while respecting the rights and autonomy of consumers.
