Stakeholders from across Africa have gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for the 3rd annual Harm Reduction Exchange, advocating for harm reduction approaches in addressing public health challenges.
The participants emphasized the need for governments, including the Nigerian government, to adopt harm reduction principles in their public health strategies.
Harm reduction involves interventions aimed at minimizing the negative effects of health behaviors without completely eliminating them. The President of the African Medical Association and the Association of Medical Councils of Africa, Dr. Kgosi Letlape, described harm reduction as a transformative strategy, superior to prohibition-based policies. He stressed that harm reduction empowers individuals by offering choices and promoting healthier living without imposing complete abstinence.
The forum highlighted harm reduction strategies deployed globally, including Needle Exchange Programs, supervised injection sites, condom distribution, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Vaping, E-Cigarettes, and supervised medication consumption. These strategies are considered pragmatic and compassionate approaches to address substance use and other risky behaviors.
During the discussions, it was emphasized that organizations practicing harm reduction adopt a range of strategies to meet people where they are, providing pathways to health and social services. Dr. Vivianne Manyeki, the Moderator, stressed the importance of incorporating harm reduction into various health services, including prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Integra Africa Principal, Dr. Tendai Mhizha, emphasized the critical role of media in advancing harm reduction. She highlighted the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation in tobacco harm reduction discussions, emphasizing the need for accurate information dissemination to support a smoke-free world.
Dr. Michael Kariuki, a Public Health Specialist and Secretary General of Harm Reduction Society in Kenya, emphasized harm reduction as the way forward. He advocated for regulators to provide adult smokers with information, choices, and support to transition away from smoking. Several African countries, including South Africa, have implemented Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) policies, with South Africa legalizing the sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
The harmonization of public healthcare regulations related to THR products across Africa was emphasized as a positive step. Such harmonization not only reduces the harms associated with tobacco use but also demonstrates African governments’ commitment to public health and protecting citizens from the dangers of tobacco smoke.
