Advocates call for research in African tobacco harm reduction

Kenya: Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) advocates have called for African-based research on the concept to deepen understanding and promote local engagement and orientation of tobacco users in order for the concept to be accepted across the African continent.

He observed that if evidence from local research was used to increase the benefits of THR, it would change the negative perception that many people on the African continent have of THR.

Professor Abdul Kasse, a lecturer and oncologist at the International de Cancerologue in Dakar, said the concept appears to be stalled because there is little engagement among key people and a lack of local research.

The theme of the Exchange meeting is "Harm Reduction: Making a Difference in Africa." The theme focuses on the advancements made through Harm Reduction strategies in all areas of public health.