Nigeria is one of the African countries with the highest burden of tobacco-related diseases and deaths. Unfortunately, the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 has been slow and inadequate in addressing the challenge unlike Sweden.![Sweden](https://fasnewsng.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/image-1033-300x300.webp)
This apparent failure can be mitigated by awareness and acceptance of tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies. THR aims to reduce the risks associated with tobacco use by providing safer alternatives to combustible cigarettes. Its remarkably successful adoption in Sweden accounts for the country’s lowest rates of smoking prevalence in Europe and the consequent lowest rates of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases in the world. Much of this outstanding smoke-free success in Sweden is primarily due to the widespread use of snus, a smokeless product that delivers nicotine without combustion as well as adoption of other non-tobacco alternatives to smoking. A significant body of evidence shows that these options are safer than smoking, incentivizing millions of Swedes to switch from cigarettes to these options.
Nigeria inarguably needs to emulate Sweden to become smoke-free in the shortest possible time. In a 2021 study by Marco Castrodori of the Center for the Study of Economies in Africa (CSEA), Nigeria recorded 28,876 tobacco smoking-related deaths annually, imposing an economic burden of approximately N526.4 billion in treatment costs. A glimmer of hope, however, surfaces as recorded deaths have declined to 16,137 annually as of 2023. Again, a study on the Current Prevalence Pattern of Tobacco Smoking in Nigeria by Adeloye et al. (2019) published in the BMC Public Health journal reported similar declines in smoking rates, which fell from approximately 13 million smokers in 2012 to around 11 million in 2015. Similarly, in 2022, the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction report, further updated in October 2023, showed that between 2000 and 2023, Nigeria witnessed a commendable decline in smoking prevalence. The tobacco smoking prevalence dropped from 7.5% in 2000 to 6% in 2015, with an anticipated further decrease to 5% by 2025. While these numbers reflect progress, more strategic adoption of tobacco harm reduction techniques will accelerate these achievements.
The game-changing strategy of Sweden, which remarkably reduced its smoking rate from 15% in 2008 to 5.6% in 2023, is the guide that Nigeria requires to further accelerate the decline in smoking. They sit on two strategic planks: enforcing policies to reduce exposure to smoke and introducing Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) reduced-risk products to replace combustible tobacco. Like most other countries, Sweden has implemented a comprehensive tobacco control strategy since 1994, including increasing cigarette taxes, smoke-free air policies, and strengthening health warnings. However, while Sweden’s broad tobacco control measures are crucial, introducing Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) reduced-risk products emerged as a game-changer. The expansive adoption of THR measures, alongside THR products relative to other countries, has contributed to the accelerated decline in smoking prevalence and its clear global leadership in smoke-free rankings.
THR products are alternatives to smoking, purposed to reduce the harm associated with conventional cigarettes. Examples include snus, , heated tobacco, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, which are viable alternatives to combustible tobacco. Tobacco heating products [THPs] heat tobacco to generate an aerosol. Snus, a smokeless tobacco product in pouches, has shown tangible harm reduction benefits.
![Sweden](https://fasnewsng.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG-20231222-WA0074-300x200.jpg)
Prof. Ike-Muonso
E-cigarettes, producing vapour instead of smoke, have been endorsed as less harmful by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.. Vapour products are gadgets that heat liquid compositions using batteries to create a vapour. Heated tobacco devices have demonstrated a decrease in cigarette sales, and nicotine pouches offer a smoke-free option. Modern oral products include tobacco-free nicotine pouches.
Research has shown that alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and oral nicotine products like snus and nicotine pouches, can serve as options for adult smokers who switch to these alternatives, thereby potentially reducing the harm associated with smoking. It is noteworthy that the tax rates for alternative tobacco products are often lower than those for combustible cigarettes, reflecting the lower risk associated with these products.
Maximum success in emulating Sweden’s steps means that harm reduction should guide tobacco regulations in Africa, as it is a more practical and transformative approach than prohibition-based policies. The term “harm reduction” describes actions meant to lessen the harmful effects of health behaviours without necessarily eliminating problematic health behaviours, which is better than simply advocating for complete abstinence. Complete abstinence is often fraught with difficulties in maintaining and sustaining the practice on the part of the user. Nigeria should, therefore, adopt harm reduction approaches when regulating incalcitrant public health challenges for several reasons.
First, harm reduction integrates public health initiatives driven by the community, such as risk reduction, health promotion, and prevention, to empower those who utilize tobacco and their families with the choice to live healthy and self-directed. Second, it is a practical and transformative strategy that addresses the adverse effects of health behaviours while acknowledging the complexity of human behaviour change.
Third, it alleviates the strain on healthcare systems. By prioritizing and implementing tobacco harm reduction initiatives, Nigeria can save millions of lives, lessen the stress on healthcare systems, and work towards a healthier future for its people. Fourth, amplify the voice of harm reduction advocacy, urging the government to integrate harm reduction principles and practices when regulating public health challenges.
An analysis of Sweden’s approach to smoke-free reveals a combination of sound THR policies and their robust implementation. First, Sweden created a foundation for collaboration among the government, health professionals, industry stakeholders, and consumers, aiming to minimize the consumption of combustible tobacco products and reduce exposure to tobacco smoke. The legal acceptance of these products and awareness campaigns targeting healthcare workers, smokers, and the general public played a significant role. Health workers actively recommended Harm Reduction Products as alternatives to combustible tobacco, creating a joint effort to combat smoking-related diseases.
The second was that they legalized 95% of the less harmful alternatives to combustible tobacco products and substantially reduced the attendant taxes on these alternative products based on the relative risk reduction of these products as compared with cigarettes. This approach provides legal options for smokers looking to quit, such as snus, heated tobacco, tobacco-free nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes. Importantly, these alternatives were made readily available, with extensive advertising to raise awareness.
Lowering taxes on these alternative products made them more affordable than traditional cigarettes. Sweden’s Finance Minister, Mikael Damberg, noted that products in Sweden were taxed based on risk, with less harmful alternatives having lower taxes. As of January 1, 2023, the tax on tobacco-heated products and combustible cigarettes was 36%, while nicotine pouches had taxes as low as 8%. This affordability incentivized smokers to choose these alternatives without financial barriers. These non-combustible tobacco products, proven to be 95% less harmful, fulfilled the WHO FCTC Article 1 objectives, focusing on supply, demand, and harm reduction strategies.
Substantial evidence shows that Nigeria encounters significant obstacles in emulating Sweden’s achievements in reducing smoking rates. Some studies show a lack of awareness among medical students and community pharmacists regarding Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) methods and products. The media, which is pivotal in disseminating accurate information and countering misinformation about THR policies, alternatives, and benefits, also does not seem adequately educated about it. In effect, the efficacy of these approaches in Nigeria may suffer due to factors such as insufficient awareness, cultural disparities, and affordability. Consequently, healthcare professionals, including medical students and community pharmacists, must enhance their understanding of THR methods and products. Addressing cultural variations and affordability challenges is also crucial. The affordability of harm-reduction products can be a barrier to their adoption, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Enhancing affordability can include subsidies, tax incentives, and support for producing affordable harm-reduction products. Nigeria must consider these factors when formulating and executing THR policies and programs.
Therefore, to replicate Sweden’s success in reducing smoking rates, Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach. Although the country has made progress in tobacco control, including ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and enforcing policies such as higher taxes on tobacco products, public smoking bans, and regulations on tobacco advertising and sponsorship, challenges persist, with relatively high tobacco consumption rates and a lack of awareness about tobacco harm reduction (THR) methods and products among healthcare professionals. Nigeria needs to focus on several key strategies.
First, the government should design and enforce effective tobacco harm reduction policies, ensuring access to non-combustible tobacco alternatives. These measures include regulatory frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with the media.
Second, there is a need to strengthen knowledge among healthcare professionals and the general public about THR methods and products. This measure could involve training programs, educational initiatives, and integrating THR into existing healthcare systems. Again, promoting the affordability of harm reduction products is crucial to ensure their accessibility to the population. The call for fresh deliberations on tobacco harm reduction regulations in Africa underscores the importance of prioritizing THR as a public health strategy. By adopting harm reduction approaches and ensuring access to non-combustible tobacco alternatives, Nigeria can make significant strides in reducing the burden of smoking-related illnesses and improving public health outcomes.
Finally, Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture, challenged to revolutionize its public health landscape by embracing Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) products. These alternatives to smoking present a unique opportunity to diminish smoking rates and enhance public health outcomes. THR products provide smokers with a less hazardous avenue to satiate their nicotine cravings, offering a potential paradigm shift in harm reduction strategies. Unlocking the full potential of THR in Nigeria requires confronting prevailing challenges, including insufficient awareness, cultural disparities, and affordability issues.
A concerted effort is necessary, involving collaboration with the media, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. The dissemination of accurate information through the media can dispel misconceptions surrounding THR, fostering a more informed public. Engaging healthcare professionals ensures that these alternatives are integrated into the broader healthcare framework, encouraging smokers to consider THR a viable option. Policymakers play a crucial role in crafting regulations that facilitate the accessibility and affordability of THR products. By addressing these challenges collaboratively, Nigeria can pave the way for a healthier, smoke-free future, demonstrating a commitment to public well-being and global leadership in tobacco harm reduction.
By Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso
78 comments
En büyük orospu cocugu child porn icin ziyaret.
En büyük orospu cocugu child porn icin ziyaret.
tipobet
What’s up, all is going sound here and ofcourse every one
is sharing facts, that’s really fine, keep up writing.
http://pl.grepolis.com/start/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkarlmarc.com%2F
http://nou-rau.uem.br/nou-rau/zeus/auth.php?back=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.karlmarc.com%2F&go=x&code=x&unit=x
https://cse.google.com.do/url?sa=t&url=http%3A%2F%2Fospreydata.com%2F
truvabet
child porn
child porn
child porn
child porn
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Incredible quest there. What happened after?
Good luck!
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous site.
I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Hello everybody, here every person is sharing these experience, therefore it’s good to read this web site, and I used to go to see this blog daily.
Hello everybody, here every person is sharing these experience, therefore it’s good to read this web site, and I used to go to see this blog daily.
This site truly has all of the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is actually a tremendous site.
I was overjoyed to discover this website on Bing; it was just what I was looking for, and I have also bookmarked it to my favorites collection.
I think the admin of this site is genuinely working hard in favor of his website, since here every stuff is quality based data.
Your style is very unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog.
I do agree with all of the concepts you’ve introduced for your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts are too brief for starters. May just you please prolong them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Many thanks
I do agree with all of the concepts you’ve introduced for your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts are too brief for starters. May just you please prolong them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
I am no longer certain where you’re getting your information, however good topic. I must spend some time studying more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful information I used tobe looking for this info for my mission.
I am no longer certain where you’re getting your information, however good topic. I must spend some time studying more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful information I used tobe looking for this info for my mission.
This site truly has all of the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
This site truly has all of the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Wow superb blog layout How long have you been blogging for you make blogging look easy The overall look of your site is magnificent as well as the content
My brother recommended I might like this web site He was totally right This post actually made my day You cannt imagine just how much time I had spent for this information Thanks
you are truly a just right webmaster The site loading speed is incredible It kind of feels that youre doing any distinctive trick In addition The contents are masterwork you have done a great activity in this matter
Hey there You have done a fantastic job I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends Im confident theyll be benefited from this site
Thank you. I have been searching for information on this topic for a long, and yours is the best I have found so far. But what about the bottom line? Are you certain concerning the supply?
child porn sex
child porn sex
child porn sex
bahis siteleri
bahis siteleri
mature porn
teen porn
teen porn
teen porn
https://hacklink.tools/
https://adaxbetkayit.com/
https://bettturkey.net/
https://hacklink.tools/
https://onlinecasinomaldives.org/
https://hacklink.tools/
fixbet porn sex
fixbet porn sex
tipobet porn sex
tipobet porn sex
child porn
child porn
buying prescription drugs in mexico online: pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa – buying prescription drugs in mexico online
cheapest online pharmacy india http://indiaph24.store/# india online pharmacy
indian pharmacies safe
Sie k�nnen das beste Spielerlebnis im Online Casino Deutschland erleben. Au�erdem finden Sie auf onlinecasino-deutschland.net aktuelle Bonusangebote und Spieloptionen.
Topnorgecasino.com gir deg den mest omfattende oversikten over Norske Casino p� nett, slik at du kan velge de beste spillene og kasinoene for en uforglemmelig spillopplevelse.
For den beste Lilibet-opplevelsen i Norge, bes�k lilibetnorge.com og utforsk et bredt utvalg av spennende spill og eksklusive tilbud.
For den beste Lilibet opplevelsen i Norge, bes�k lilibetcasino.org og utforsk et bredt utvalg av spennende spill og tilbud.
For den ultimate Lilibet-opplevelsen i Norge, bes�k lilibet-casino.net og opplev spenningen med deres n�ye utvalgte spill og eksklusive tilbud.
For de nyeste spillnyhetene og innsikten i casinoverdenen, sjekk ut Lilibet Blogg p� blog.lilibet.com/no/.
Opplev det beste av online gambling p� Beste Norske Casino, hvor du finner n�ye utvalgte spill og eksklusive tilbud som anbefales av onlinecasinonorge.net.
Utforsk spenningen av online gambling i Casino Norge med de beste anbefalingene fra bestecasinonorge.net
For de beste tilbudene og spillopplevelsene p� et Norsk Casino, bes�k betbonuser.com og utforsk et bredt utvalg av bonuser og spillalternativer.
Bei Sultanbet k�nnen Sie eine breite Palette von Spielen genie�en. Zus�tzlich bietet sultanbetcasino.org umfassende Informationen �ber das Casino und seine Angebote.
Bei Sultanbet k�nnen Sie eine vielf�ltige Auswahl an Spielen erleben. Weiterhin finden Sie auf sultanbet-casino.net umfassende Informationen �ber das Casino und seine Dienstleistungen.
Sportotobet, spor bahisleri ve �evrimi�i casino oyunlar� sunan bir platformdur. Geni� bir spor bahisleri yelpazesi ve �e�itli liglerde y�ksek oranlarla bahis yapma imkan� sunar.
Ma� esnas�nda bahis yapabilece�iniz ve oranlar�n anl�k olarak de�i�ti�i canl� bahis sayfas�nda siz de favori ma��n�z�n getirdi�i heyecana ortak olabilirsiniz.
Restbet ile Kazanman�n Ger�ek Adresi: GirisRestbet.org, G�venli Giri� ile Bahis Heyecan� Sizinle
Supertotobet ile �ans�n�z�n Mobildeki Adresi: Supertotobet.mobi, Kazanma Heyecan�n� Cebinizde Ya�ay�n
Im Online Casino k�nnen Sie eine Vielzahl von Spielen genie�en. Zus�tzlich bietet casinoonlinedeutschland.org umfassende Informationen �ber Online-Casinos und ihre Angebote
Betturkey, �e�itli spor bahisleri ve casino oyunlar� sunan bir �evrimi�i bahis platformudur. Kullan�c�lar�na geni� bir spor bahisleri se�ene�i sunman�n yan� s�ra, pop�ler casino oyunlar� ve canl� casino deneyimi de sa�lar.
Mariobet, �e�itli spor bahisleri ve �evrimi�i casino oyunlar� sunan bir �evrimi�i bahis platformudur. Kullan�c�lara geni� bir spor bahis se�ene�i sunman�n yan� s�ra pop�ler casino oyunlar� ve canl� casino deneyimi de sa�lar.
Betpublic giriş sayfasına Twitter yani X üzerinden bu hesap üzerinden ulaşabilirsiniz. Twitter güncel, sorunsuz, hızlı ve güvenilir giriş adres burada yer.
Kaçak bahis siteleri yaptıkları promosyonlarla yeni üye elde etmeyi amaçlamaktadırlar. Türk sitelerinin en büyük özelliği sundukları deneme bonuslarıdır