Tag: Tobacco Harm Reduction

Nicotine Isn’t the Enemy: World Expert Corrects a Century of Misconception

Michael Gwarisa
Nicotine Isn’t the Enemy: World Expert Corrects a Century of Misconception

By Michael Gwarisa For decades, misinformation and misconceptions about nicotine’s role in cancer and tobacco-related diseases have dominated public health discussions. These misconceptions are not limited to the general public; even among medical professionals, confusion persists. A Rutgers-led study found that about 80 percent of physicians surveyed believed nicotine directly causes cancer. Speaking during a session on Lessons in Tobacco Harm Reduction, where he shared insights from an oncologist’s perspective, Professor David Khayat said nicotine misinformation remains widespread among doctors and physicians. We see that there are many physicians who…

Read More

IKE BLE System Proves Effective in Preventing Underage Vaping, New Study Finds

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa A new multi-center study has validated the effectiveness of the IKE Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System in preventing underage access to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), signaling a potential breakthrough in youth vaping prevention efforts. The study was made possible through a partnership between Ispire Technology Inc., an innovator in vaping technology and precision dosing; Touchpoint World Wide Inc., doing business as Berify (“Berify”), a cutting-edge platform that connects physical products to the digital world while enhancing digital engagement and brand protection; and Chemular International Inc. (“Chemular”),…

Read More

Getting Tough On Vaping Drives People Into Smoking Combustible Tobacco

Michael Gwarisa

Despite the massive crackdown on smoking in the form of bans and taxes, coupled with well-coordinated misinformation around emerging Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) alternatives, World Health Organisation (WHO) data shows that at least 8 million smokers continue to die from smoking-related diseases on an annual basis while one million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke also die from passive smoking. By Michael Gwarisa Overall smoking rates in Africa remain low by international comparisons, with a prevalence of 8.4 percent across the continent. While smoking prevalence is relatively low on…

Read More

CIMAS rolls out smoking cessation program to help those trying to quit smoking

Michael Gwarisa

IN a bid to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with smoking combustible cigarettes, CIMAS Medical Aid Society has rolled out a three month long smoking cessation program to allow smokers to gradually quit smoking. By Michael Gwarisa The program is covered under CIMAS Medical Aid drug and substance abuse rehabilitation package and will see smokers accessing nicotine through patches that deliver nicotine without combustion or burning. Speaking during a virtual meeting to mark World Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness day, Tinashe Katikiti, Highlands Wellness Clinical Psychologist and General Manager said…

Read More

Facing The Elephant In The Room: How Disinformation Is Standing In The Way Of Tobacco Harm Reduction

Michael Gwarisa

The American Centre for Disease Control (CDC) defines harm reduction as any behaviour or strategy that helps reduce risk or harm to yourself or others. For almost every societal problem, there are available harm reduction options. For example, to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV, one needs to practice safer sex or safer drug use. By Michael Gwarisa Since the year 2006, there has been exponential expansion of interest in Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) after the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) became the first American scientific…

Read More

Tobacco Harm Reduction Journalists Forum Revived

Michael Gwarisa

A Journalists platform comprising of media practitioners from East, West and Southern Africa whose purpose is to enhance coverage of alternative smoke free and non-combustive tobacco products has been revived after a two year hiatus. By Michael Gwarisa The Tobacco Harm Reduction media forum was formed in November 2017 at Enashipai Resort, in Naivasha, Kenya through support from Phillip Morris International (PMI) a leading producer of tobacco and smoke free products. Since 2017, Barnabas Tondhlana, a seasoned Journalist and Publisher from Zimbabwe co-chaired the forum with David Ohito, a Kenyan…

Read More