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Category: HEALTH

  • Launch of National Strategic Plan for TB, Leprosy and Lung Health

    During the launch of the Report.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    By James Nyaigoti,

    The Ministry of Health has today launched 2023/2024-2027/2028 National Strategic Plan for TB, Leprosy and Lung health.

    The launch, witnessed the presence of various stakeholders including; Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki Ministry of Health, Centre for Desease Control (CDC), USAID, World Health Organisatio (WHO), Stop TB partnership Kenya, Parliamentary Caucus Kenya and other stakeholders.

    Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the Top infectious killers in the world and the leading infectious disease killer in Kenya. According to the WHO Global TB report, 2021 Kenya was one of the High TB burden countries that achieved WHOs End TB strategy.

    Dr. Everlyn from Stop TB partnership observed that, she spent the third of my life discussing TB from World Health organisation and other areas. Integrating TB across various departments in Government is needed. Policies that align to health measures should also be taken. There is need to treat TB as a social problem and demedicalize it.
    Dr. Abraham Katana CDC branch also noted that, finding TB ealier makes it easier to cure and most deaths witnessed as a result of HIV are caused by TB.

    Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni address during the launch

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    “We want to see Kenya move away from curative to preventive measures and reduce long ques in our hospitals. It is also important for the ealier treatment. The deseases high mortality are also caused by misdiagnosis.
    Community Health Promoters CHP in the country will play an important role in promoting health in our communities.
    The strategic also proposes practical mechanisms in tackling TB in kenya.” Said PS Mary Muthoni.

    In the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goal on “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all,” which includes ending the TB epidemic by 2030, collective action at the national and on a global scale is imperative.

    WHO congratulates Kenya on the development of an evidence-based, people-centered National Strategic Plan for TB, Leprosy, and Lung Disease 2023/24-2027/28. The development of this plan, informed by the latest WHO global guidance on the development process, reflects a meticulous consideration of fundamental principles of TB planning and programming for epidemic response and control, while placing individuals and communities at the forefront of TB interventions. The strategic plan aligns seamlessly with the Global WHO-END TB strategy, whose overarching goal is to reduce the incidence of TB, preventing deaths from the disease, and mitigating the catastrophic economic costs associated with TB-related illness.

    In the same light, we commend the efforts of the Ministry of Health in the development of the first ever TB laboratory operational plan and quality management framework in Kenya, that will strengthen laboratory systems and operations. This will play a pivotal role in optimizing TB surveillance, increasing access to rapid WHO recommended tools, enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline laboratory processes, enhance laboratory information system, and strengthen the sample referral network.

    WHO applauds the nation’s historic achievement in the region to implement the new WHO recommended, simplified diagnostic algorithm for children and the shorter, four-month pediatric regimen for TB treatment. This milestone marks a significant stride in pediatric TB care, representing a pioneering effort to address the unique healthcare needs of children affected by this infectious disease. The adoption of the simplified diagnostic algorithm will ensure diagnosing TB in children is made easier, contributing to increased, early and more accurate detection. This commendable initiative underscores Kenya’s commitment to advancing healthcare and serves as a beacon of progress for the region in the collective endeavor to combat childhood tuberculosis.

     

  • Kenya takes the lead in creating sustainable food systems during the launch of the 2030 Action Plan

    By Melisa Mong’ina
    Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) Kenya and other partners of the Coalition have hosted the World Soil Day Conference dubbed “Enhancing Soil Health for Sustainable Food Systems” in Nairobi.
    Speaking on Tuesday during the World Soil Day Press Conference, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Crop Development and Research, Dr. Paul Ronoh, noted the government’s effort to address soil health for the transformation of Kenya’s food systems.
    “I am greatly honoured to be part of this year’s World Soil Day celebrations. The 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared the year 2015 as the international year of soil, and since then, every 5th of December is celebrated as the World’s Soil Day,” said Dr. Ronoh.
    Further, Dr. Ronoh emphasized the importance of improving soil health through the use of appropriate land use practices for intensifying agriculture production.
    “The link between soil health and land use is strongly correlated. Improving soil health through appropriate land use practices is crucial for intensifying agriculture production, thus enhancing food security and protecting the environment,” added Dr. Ronoh.
    The conference brought together more than 100 stakeholders to discuss the crucial role soil health and management play in pursuing food production that meets the nutritional needs of Kenya’s growing population.
    According to AGRA Vice President for Program Delivery, Prof. Hamadi Boga, building on the momentum created through a national consultation, there are evidence-based suggestions to advance the discussion on transforming Kenya’s food system.
    “We are pleased to launch the Food Systems and Land Use Action Plan 2024–2030 on this World Soil Day. Building on the momentum generated by a national consultative process, these evidence-based recommendations are a step in furthering the conversation about Kenya’s food system transformation, of which soil remains a critical element,” said Prof. Boga.
    The Program Lead of FOLU Kenya, Mr. Jeremiah Rogito, said the action plan will focus on five key areas, which include healthy diets, productive and regenerative agriculture, protecting and restoring nature, food loss and waste, and youth and social inclusion.
    Following the suggestions from the UN Food Systems Summit and the Kenyan government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Plan, the conference aimed to encourage soil health, biodiversity conservation, climate change awareness, youth entrepreneurship in food and land use, as well as promoting sustainable consumption and healthy diets in Kenya.
  • Mental health challenges increase HIV mortality rates in the country

    Mental health challenges increase HIV mortality rates in the country

    KNBS Snr Manager,NAS Benjamin Muchiri (right) and KNBS HR Manager and Dir Rose Awino(left) present Statistics learning books to TUK after giving a keynote speeches on career talk ,health and HIV/AIDS Awareness in Nairobi on 1st Dec 2023
    KNBS Snr Manager,NAS Benjamin Muchiri (right) and KNBS HR Manager and Dir Rose Awino(left) present Statistics learning books to TUK after giving a keynote speeches on career talk ,health and HIV/AIDS Awareness in Nairobi on 1st Dec 2023

    By Melisa Mong’ina

    The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the Technical University of Kenya, has celebrated World AIDS Day with the theme Let Communities Lead. Mental health has been mentioned as one of the major reasons leading to more HIV deaths in the country.

    Speaking to the students in Nairobi during the World AIDS Day celebration, Dr. Josephine Kinya, a clinical neurophysiologist at Equity Afia, noted that in most cases, a lot of people succumb to HIV due to mental health, thus making it very crucial. She urged them to care for themselves by getting tested and to also show love and compassion to their loved ones or friends who are trying to cope with HIV.

    “We should look after ourselves, grasp the situation, and get tested. It’s important to show love and compassion to our loved ones and friends dealing with this condition. We have connected this condition with mental health because often, people facing it also deal with mental health challenges. So, taking care of our mental well-being is just as vital as managing the condition,” said Dr. Josephine.

    According to Dr. Josephine, the most common mental health condition that a lot of people living with HIV experience in their spaces is depression, which is caused by the negative thoughts that they get. Such thoughts kill their hope of living, leading to severe depression.

    “Now we are dealing with severe depression. The most widespread mental health issue among people with HIV in our community is depression. How we think about depression is that we get a negative thought, like I think I’m going to die, and we build it, and we are working on it, and by then or later we are not even living that,” explained Dr. Josephine.

    She also noted that depression is not the only common mental health condition that affects people living with HIV; therefore, they should be able to understand the relationship between mental health and HIV and AIDS so that they may be able to manage it.

    “After the depression, there are other common mental health conditions that we find in people living with HIV. So understanding mental health and the relationship between mental health and how we manage HIV and AIDS is vital,” she added.

    Dr. Josephine emphasized the importance of getting tested, noting that HIV is not only transmitted through sex but also from salons, barbershops, or even through birth; thus, self-care is vital.

    She further urged people to be kind and loving towards people with HIV by not discriminating against them, which will help extend their lives.

    “Let’s stop treating these patients differently. Instead, let’s care for them and show them love. When we do that, we can help them live longer. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. We can lead a good life by doing these things,” stated Dr. Josephine.

    According to Benjamin Muchiri, Senior Manager, National Accounts Statistics (KNBS), the 2022 DHS statistics show that 1,294,339 people are living with HIV, of whom 89% have managed to use proper medication. There are 62% of new HIV cases among adolescents. The statistics also show that Kenya is ranked 6th worldwide for recording the highest number of HIV deaths.

    “In Kenya, as of 2022, about 1,294,339 people are living with HIV. Among them, 89% have successfully controlled the virus with ARVs. Something important to note is that there are 62 new infections each week among adolescents,” shared Mr. Benjamin.

    Mr. Benjamin highlighted that the government should provide new friendly sexual and reproductive health programmes, including health reduction programmes for those injecting drugs, and it is supposed to play a big role in the implementation and monitoring of the evolution of HIV prevention.

    “The government should address legal barriers in existing sexual and reproductive health policies. It needs to promote responsible sexual behavior through comprehensive sex education and actively participate in implementing and monitoring HIV prevention strategies. Additionally, the government should introduce new, accessible sexual and reproductive health programmes, including harm reduction initiatives for those using injected drugs,” explained Mr. Benjamin.

    Prof. Dorcas Yole, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at TUK, encouraged students by stating that individuals with HIV can still achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to the family or community.

    “HIV is with us; HIV is real; HIV is a killer, but you can contribute to the community, you can contribute to your family, and you can also reach your highest goals even if you have HIV,” said Prof. Dorcas.

  • The Aga Khan University injects Kes. 2 million worth of equipment to Pumwani Maternity Hospital

    The Aga Khan University injects Kes. 2 million worth of equipment to Pumwani Maternity Hospital

    The Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa (CoEWCH EA) has handed over health equipment valued at KES 2 million to Pumwani Maternity Hospital to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide comprehensive essential maternity and newborn care.

    The handover of the equipment comes following the recently concluded COVID-19 in pregnancy study, funded by the World Health Organisation (WHO), led by CoEWCH EA in collaboration with Pumwani Maternity Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital, which sought to determine if Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) infection during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse pregnancy, perinatal, neonatal, and postpartum outcomes by collecting data from women infected with SARS-COV-2.

    “As a government, we are pleased to see that research is improving quality of care in facilities and data is being used to make decisions. This handover ceremony is also contributing to the goal of Universal Health Care for all Kenyans by 2030 which includes the scaling up of maternal and child health,” said Hon. Geofrey Mosiria, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Health Facilities Management.

    “The study will help to develop recommendations on the surveillance, management, and counselling of women during and after pregnancy as well as their babies in the context of a pandemic. The findings from the study will also help to inform public health measures on infectious diseases and prevention measures and future research protocols,” said Prof Marleen Temmerman, Director of the Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, EA and Principal Investigator of the WHO COVID-19 in pregnancy study.

    Pregnant women are among vulnerable groups susceptible to respiratory infections placing them at high risk of contracting COVID-19 which can lead to severe illness creating a need for intensive care unit admission and ventilator requirement.

    “At Pumwani Maternity Hospital, we value quality of care which relies heavily on research. Since our established a relationship with Aga Khan University, we have been passionate about studies that accelerate training and research on maternal and child care. We are therefore grateful to our partners for this equipment that will be especially helpful at the point of care,” said Christine Kiteshu, Pumwani Maternity Hospital CEO.

    The equipment consists of an ultrasound machine, a fridge, and a printer. The ultrasound machine will be used in antenatal care to assess foetal development, gestational age, foetal position, and number of foetuses. It also supports CoEWCH EA’s quest to encourage early ultrasound screening for all pregnant women as part of its commitment to implement the WHO antenatal care guideline of at least one ultrasound exam during pregnancy, best done before 24 weeks. This was also one of the commitments called for during the regional launch of the Lancet Series on Small Vulnerable Newborns (SVN) held in Nairobi on September 19, 2023.

  • Emergency Medicine Kenya Holds Two Day Symposium in Nairobi

    Emergency Medicine Kenya Holds Two Day Symposium in Nairobi

    Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF) on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd November 2023 held a two day symposium at Kenya School of Government (KSG) in Nairobi to impact on healthcare system in the country.

    The 4th edition, Emergency care symposium has garnered tremendous success as demonstrated by previous symposia and their impact on the emergency healthcare system in Kenya.

    To build on this momentum, this year’s symposium aims to equip frontline healthcare providers with the necessary emergency medical care knowledge and skills through our innovative and groundbreaking Emergency medical care skills market place.

    The target audience for this symposium is healthcare providers working in emergency departments and ambulance services.

    Symposium with healthcare providers,

    “Today, we have brought in emergency healthcare providers from across the country to come and sharpen and improve their skills and knowledge. Emergency healthcare fund has been approved by the government, and we are happy on that move so that all kenyans can access quality emergency healthcare.” Said Doctor Benjamin Wachira Executive Director Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation.

    Health Advisor at the Office of The President Doctor Mwai Daniel offered that, ” We are trying to help Kenyans  by coming up with Afya Bora Mashinani Nyumbani part of Universal Healthcare model given the burden of healthcare. The issue of healthcare financing is critical since some families are left poor by huge hospital Bills, some are related to emergency cases such as accidents. Due to many lives lost, we saw the need for emergency healthcare fund and the desire to have the whole country benefit from the care. Emergency fundbis expected to provide evacuation of the person to nearby healthcare institution get the stabilization services 24 hours as the fund shoulders the cost. The Bill has already been signed into law by the President.”

    Kephas Achiro representing Turkana County observes that they have benefited alot from the programme training, Availability of the ambulance hence highlighting the need for emergency  care in Turkana  county.

    Doctor Matano Kibwana from Kilifi County also noted that, the Emergency Health system in Kilifi needed a new  unit and having a role in Emergency healthcare system and prehospital care where there is a toll number for all people to call.
    and further called upon different stakeholders to come on board as partners to help in matters of emergency services.

    EMKF is a non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to strengthening emergency healthcare systems in Kenya to save lives. It provides with the latest in emergency medical care practice to healthcare workers and the public through the Casualty App, training and the provision of freely available educational resources.

  • NHIF CEO Elijah Wachira Promises Transparency and Accountability Amidst Transition Challenges

    In his new role as Chief Executive Officer of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), Mr. Elijah Wachira has been entrusted with a crucial task – overseeing the fund’s transition to the National Social Authority (NSA) and ensuring positive changes in service delivery. During a session at the Parliament buildings, members of the Public Investments Committee on Social Services Administration and Agriculture, led by Chairperson Hon. Emanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), expressed concerns about missing documents necessary for recovering public funds lost due to fraud under Mr. Wachira’s predecessors.

    Responding to these concerns, Mr. Wachira assured the Committee that he has diligently worked to locate the required documents, addressing 99% of the requests, and even retrieving historical records. He emphasized his commitment to collaborating with the Committee to address audit queries and investigate misuse of public money, promising transparency and accountability.

    The Committee raised various issues from the Auditor-General’s report, including double payments and overpayments in special programs like Linda Mama, as highlighted by Hon. Peter Masara (Suna West). Additionally, Hon. Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu) questioned the payment schedule from Amaco insurance firm concerning an NHIF vehicle involved in an accident. He opposed the release of the Ksh 4 million claim in installments, suggesting NHIF engage the Insurance Regulatory Authority for resolution.

    In response, the CEO requested the Committee’s patience to provide factual reports on all the matters raised, including fraudulent hospital claims and payments. He committed to presenting these reports during the next Committee session. This would also encompass responses related to irregular payments of acting allowances, failure to settle legal expenses, delayed surrender of temporary imprest, unsupported expenditures, budgetary control, performance, and long outstanding return-to-drawer cheques.

    “The payment schedule from this insurance firm should be rejected by NHIF, Chair. Any reputable insurance company should have the capacity to handle liabilities, and the Ksh 4 million claimed by NHIF should have been paid in full, not in installments as it is currently being done. NHIF should have engaged the Insurance Regulatory Authority to address this issue,” Hon. Wandeto emphasized.

    Mr. Wachira acknowledged the challenges faced during the transition, particularly affecting operations like officer promotions in acting positions, emphasizing that these issues might take longer to resolve due to the ongoing changes within the organization. He assured the Committee of his dedication to resolving these matters transparently and efficiently, working collaboratively to uphold the integrity of NHIF during this crucial period of transition.

  • Joys, Pomp and Color as Hearing Impaired Students Receives Hearing Devices

    Joys, Pomp and Color as Hearing Impaired Students Receives Hearing Devices

    Its was Joy, pomp and Color as 15 students from Treeside secondary school for the deaf have today benefited from hearing aids that have enabled them to hear again. The kit is not only useful for the totally deaf people, but also very effective for people who have partially hearing loss.

    The cutting-edge product which was launched today by EXPRESS NOVA LTD is known as HEARNU which uses bone conduction Technology.  That means, It bypasses the physical ear and sends the sound signals through the cheek bone to the cochlea directly and the person is able to hear normally.  In other words, people who have hearing loss due to natural causes such as aging, ear infection or accident are able to hear once again.

    The beauty of HEARNU is that it’s non-surgical and non-intrusive. There is no need for surgeries to fix in one’s skull. Unlike normal hearing aids, this unit does not have to go inside the ear. HEARNU works on a simple principle using two units. The first one looks like a smart watch is worn on wrist of a person. This unit picks up the sound signals and transfers to the second unit, which is headphone that is in contact with the top of the person’s cheek bone.

    HEARNU is an extremely modern product that takes care of today’s lifestyle needs. It has a very sporty look and in fact looks more like a classy headphone rather than a hearing device. It has Bluetooth connectivity, so that the person can directly connect to TV, mobile laptop or other devices.

    It has a built-in Qualcomm noise cancelation Technology that will eliminate background noise and whistling sounds, which is very common problem with the regular hearing device. The product has built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can fast-charged in only 45 minutes so that it can continuously work for 8 hours. In short, compared to conventional hearing aids currently available in the market, this product is way ahead.

  • Hearing Again! Deaf Students Benefit From Cutting-Edge Hearing Devices

    Hearing Again! Deaf Students Benefit From Cutting-Edge Hearing Devices

    15 students from Treeside secondary school for the deaf have today benefited from hearing aids that have enabled them to hear again. The kit is not only useful for the totally deaf people, but also very effective for people who have partially hearing loss.

    The cutting-edge product which was launched today by EXPRESS NOVA LTD is known as HEARNU which uses bone conduction Technology.  That means, It bypasses the physical ear and sends the sound signals through the cheek bone to the cochlea directly and the person is able to hear normally.  In other words, people who have hearing loss due to natural causes such as aging, ear infection or accident are able to hear once again.

    The beauty of HEARNU is that it’s non-surgical and non-intrusive. There is no need for surgeries to fix in one’s skull. Unlike normal hearing aids, this unit does not have to go inside the ear. HEARNU works on a simple principle using two units. The first one looks like a smart watch is worn on wrist of a person. This unit picks up the sound signals and transfers to the second unit, which is headphone that is in contact with the top of the person’s cheek bone.

    HEARNU is an extremely modern product that takes care of today’s lifestyle needs. It has a very sporty look and in fact looks more like a classy headphone rather than a hearing device. It has Bluetooth connectivity, so that the person can directly connect to TV, mobile laptop or other devices.

     

    It has a built-in Qualcomm noise cancelation Technology that will eliminate background noise and whistling sounds, which is very common problem with the regular hearing device. The product has built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can fast-charged in only 45 minutes so that it can continuously work for 8 hours. In short, compared to conventional hearing aids currently available in the market, this product is way ahead.

  • MTRH Accountability: Navigating Audit Concerns and Workforce Diversity Challenges

    Dr. Wilson Arwasa, the Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)
    Dr. Wilson Arwasa, the Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)

    Dr. Wilson Arwasa, the Chief Executive Officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, appeared before the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Social Services Administration and Agriculture to address audit concerns highlighted in the Auditor-General’s report for the financial year 2015/2016.

    Accompanied by his procurement manager, Mr. Julius Oraro, Dr. Arwasa was tasked to explain why a significant sum of Ksh. 462,947,925, reflected in the financial statements for payroll deductions between May and prior months in the same financial year, had not been remitted to the respective entities. Committee Chairman, Hon. Emanuel Wangwe, emphasized that this failure was a violation of the Employment Act 2007.

    Additionally, the Committee raised questions regarding the ethnic composition of the hospital staff, as outlined in the auditor’s report. The records presented to the Committee revealed that as of June 30, 2016, the hospital had 12 members of management, 6 senior management staff, and 3,104 other permanent and pensionable staff. Committee Vice Chairman, Hon. Caleb Amisi (Saboti), questioned the findings, highlighting that one dominant community made up 69% of the total workforce, contrary to Section 7 (1) and (2) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act 2008, which emphasizes diversity in employment.

    In response, Dr. Arwasa explained that payslip deductions not being remitted was due to underfunding and delays in Government funding release from the Treasury. He assured the Committee that the funds were released and had been promptly remitted.

    Regarding the issue of ethnic composition, Dr. Arwasa clarified that senior positions were filled through competitive sourcing, adhering to the law.

    However, he acknowledged an imbalance in lower-level positions due to less attractive remuneration packages, leading to a higher concentration of local staff. The management, he assured, was working progressively to rectify this and adhere to stipulated rules.

    The Committee also raised concerns about under-expenditure in Budget Performance, encroachment on the hospital’s land by an NGO and two other Government agencies, non-compliance with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) regulations, and the absence of official documents to validate transactions in the procurement office. The office was found to have violated the Public Procurement and Disposal Act during the upgrading of CT scan machines for the hospital.

    Hon. Bernard Kitur (Nandi Hills) urged the MTRH management to adhere strictly to the law in all public activities they engage in.

  • African governments urged to formulate policies towards tobacco harm reduction

    By Maurice Momanyi.

    African states have been urged to adopt tobacco harm reduction strategies rather than the traditional quitting campaigns, an intervention health experts believe will significantly reduce tobacco related deaths.

    A consortium of anti-smoking lobbyists mooted annual consultative workshops dubbed Harm Reduction Exchange (HRE) which advocate for alternatives to tobacco harm that are less risky and easy to quit.

    Harm reduction refers to interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of health behaviours without necessarily extinguishing the behaviours entirely or permanently.

    World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least 7 million people in Africa die from direct tobacco use, while in Kenya, statistics show there are an estimated 2.8 million adult smokers with advocacy mostly centred on complete abstinence.

    The experts say African governments’ regulation to allow for easy access to non-combustible products such as pouches and e-cigarettes for adult smokers who otherwise have been unable to quit the habit is the way to go if tobacco-related deaths have to be reduced.

    The third edition of the annual Harm Reduction Exchange (HRE) took place in Nairobi this week where experts including the African Medical Association and the Association of Medical Councils of Africa president converged to discuss the subject of tobacco harm reduction.

    From the Nairobi HRE forum, it emerged that there is urgent need for collaboration between Africa and experts in the harmonization of public healthcare regulation of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) products, as it will enable a positive step towards reducing the harms associated with the use of the substance.

    Speaking at the HRE consultative meeting themed ‘Amplifying the voice of Harm Reduction advocacy across Africa’, African Medical Association president and the Association of Medical Councils of Africa head Doctor Kgosi Letlape challenged African governments to adopt harm reduction approaches when formulating public health regulatory proposals.

    “Harm reduction is a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion to empower people who use drugs and their families with the choice to live healthy and self-directed,” Doctor Letlape said.

    “We hope that our lobbying efforts will spark renewed conversations on tobacco harm reduction among all stakeholders, including regulators and policymakers, which could lead to effective regulation and access to noncombustible product alternatives for adult smokers who are unable or uninterested in quitting.”

    The anti-smoking advocates observed that there are limited human rights and a bias in the social perception that has been created around smoking which creates the challenge around harm reduction efforts. There is need, they concur, to incorporate community driven public health strategies including prevention, risk reduction and health promotion to empower active and passive tobacco and other drug users with a choice to live healthy and self-directed.

    On her part, Integra Africa principal, Doctor Tendai Mhizha used the occasion to underscore the critical role played by media stakeholders in informing, advocating and sensitizing the public on tobacco harm reduction as they have been doing, for instance, with HIV/AIDS, road safety and environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.

    “With the advent of technology, we find that misinformation and disinformation are becoming increasingly prevalent with the democratization of the information space. Moving forward, there is a need to ensure that stakeholders are well informed with current and relevant information about the science, the changes that occur and how we can advance towards a smoke-free world,” she said.

    Countries like South Africa have already implemented THR policies and programs by legalizing the sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Kenya is also considering legalizing e-cigarettes.