Leading stakeholders in the country have sensitized Nigerians on the dangers of tobacco smoking and the health implications it poses, thus proffering better alternative to it.
Similarly, the stakeholders also urged the Federal Government to take a cue from the European nation of Sweden where tobacco smoking is virtually non -existent, as a result of the alternatives that are been promoted in the country.
They also also advised FG to embrace the alternative and make it relatively cheaper for the people of the country.
This was discussed at an event in Ikeja, Lagos recently.
Tagged the ”Impact of Harm Reduction Strategies on Smoking cessation”, many speakers addressed the gathering on the need to embrace, promote cheaper and healthier alternative to tobacco smoking in Nigeria.
One of the speakers , Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, a public health expert, advised that Nigeria should immediately embrace healthier alternatives to tobacco smoking.
He said: “Consequently, we present an eight-point roadmap for immediate actions required for the successful implementation of THR policies in Nigeria which includes Immediate development of a comprehensive THR Policy Framework aligned with global best practices and tailored to Nigeria’s unique context. Launch extensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about the benefits of THR.
“The Nigerian health authorities should forge partnerships with media outlets to disseminate accurate information and counteract misinformation regarding THR policies. Strengthen knowledge about THR policies among healthcare professionals through targeted training programmes and awareness initiatives. Work on policies and reduce excise duties on risk-reduction products that ensure affordability compared to traditional cigarettes, making them accessible to a broader population. Encourage research and development in THR, supporting innovations and advancements in less harmful alternatives. Collaborate with international organisations and countries successfully implementing THR policies to gain insights and support. Institute robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of THR policies regularly.”
According to him, “Europe’s champion low-smoking nation, with the world’s lowest lung cancer and cardiovascular disease rates, owes much to embracing safer alternatives to cigarettes. This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria.
“The time to act is now, and we are ready to support and collaborate with the government in this critical journey toward a smoke-free Nigeria,” affirmed Professor Ike-Muonso.
Speaking further the public health expert opined: “THR, if embraced and nurtured, can chart a healthier, smoke-free course for millions. Investing in it isn’t just about cigarettes; it’s about saving lives, reducing healthcare burden, and building a healthier future for generations.
“A smoke-free future isn’t a fantasy; it’s within reach. Let’s embrace THR and pave the way for easier breathing for millions.
“Research shows these alternative products can be 95 percent less harmful than cigarettes, offering smokers choices and a potential exit route. This not only eases healthcare costs but also substantially improves public health outcomes. Nigeria’s path to a smoke-free future is clear. By learning from Sweden and embracing THR, the country can finally break free from the grip of tobacco and build a healthier tomorrow.”
Mr. Teslim Shitta-Bey, Managing Director of Proshare, amplified the call for pragmatic action, urging collaboration and innovation to emulate Sweden’s success.
Nigeria, weighed down by 28,876 annual deaths and crippling healthcare costs from smoking, finds newfound hope in Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR). Inspired by Sweden’s success, the country seeks to replicate its path to a smoke-free future.
Also contributing, a Public health expert, Oyekanmi Imoleayo, lamented that the addictive nature of tobacco has resulted in daily deaths of young persons many of which happened unrecorded.
“When we look at the effect of cigarette smoking broadly, there are exceptional cases that smokers may live long but on the day-to-day practice, you see a lot of young people that died of smoking and were not been captured by data. Data has shown that people die from smoking daily.
“The reason why people smoke most of the time is because of the nicotine present in tobacco but if we can get alternative that people can take and avoid tobacco that comprises of other chemicals that are harmful to the body, we can achieve the 5% benchmark of a smoke-free environment.”
One of the speakers, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. David Oke, noted that Nigeria must as a matter of urgency replicate Sweden’s success in reducing smoking rates, saying that the government should also design and enforce effective tobacco harm reduction policies, ensuring access to non-combustible tobacco alternatives as well as regulatory frameworks, public awareness campaigns.
He emphasized that the affordability of harm-reduction products can be a barrier to the adoption,