By Melisa Mong’ina
Nairobi, Kenya: Tobacco use is among the leading causes of preventable deaths globally. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) tobacco accounts for 8,000 deaths annually in Kenya.
The Kenya Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) of 2014, indicated that approximately 15.1% of men, 0.8% of women, and 7.8% overall (1.7 million adults) smoked tobacco. Additionally, 5.3% of men, 3.8% of women, and 4.5% overall (1.0 million adults) use smokeless tobacco. Notably, 72.0% of daily tobacco users use tobacco (smoking and/or smokeless tobacco) within 30 minutes of waking up.
Leyian Amos, a consumer advocate, recalled that his smoking habit began at the age of 17 and continued for nine years. He began to drink alcohol and would occasionally take a puff from a cigarette. Later, the casual behavior turned into a full-time addiction.
“I started smoking when I was 17 years old and smoked for nine years. It wasn’t smoking fast. I used to drink, and then I would take a puff from a cigarette, and before I realized, it was an addiction,” shared Amos.
He highlighted his transition to using nicotine pouches two years ago, which he described as a helpful and less harmful alternative to smoking. He does not claim that nicotine pouches are completely safe but points out that they contain fewer chemicals and do not produce the strong odor associated with cigarettes, thus making them a preferable option for those looking to reduce harm.
“Two years later, I transitioned into nicotine and it has been a beneficial journey. We’re not saying it’s good, but it’s less harmful with fewer chemicals. People around you don’t feel the odor and you can dispose of it,” said Amos.
Amos advised young people not to use nicotine pouches or e-cigarettes for fun, emphasizing that these products are not intended for recreational use and encouraged them to conduct thorough research before making any decisions about using them. He also stressed the importance of resisting peer pressure and avoiding smoking or vaping altogether.
“I advise young people not to use nicotine for fun because they are not being manufactured for enjoyment. They should do more research on it. They should also avoid peer pressure, especially for the people who have never smoked before,” emphasized Amos.
Media’s Role in Reporting Tobacco Harm Reduction
In her keynote speech, during the fourth edition of the Harm Reduction Exchange in Nairobi, Dr. Mercy Korir explained the role of media in modern society, particularly social media platforms, noting that media is no longer limited to traditional forms, such as news broadcasts, but also includes social media, where everyone contributes to the dissemination of information, both accurate and misleading.
“We have a legacy, the mainstream media, and we have social media where all of you are part and parcel of the conversation. So even as I speak about the role of media, I also want you to look at your role in giving information to the various social media platforms because we contribute a lot when we are spreading information or misinformation,” stated Dr. Korir.
She discussed strategies to reduce the risks associated with tobacco use as it is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, and responsible for 8 million deaths annually.
“Globally, tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. It’s responsible for around 8 million deaths each year. Sciences worldwide are trying to implement tobacco harm reduction strategies to address this issue,” highlighted Dr. Korir.
Dr. Korir further stressed that journalists must balance their coverage of tobacco harm reduction with a commitment to public health and accurate, transparent reporting. She highlighted the media has the power to guide public sentiment and encourage policy changes through its reporting.
“As journalists, it’s your responsibility to communicate these complex issues with clarity, accuracy, and balance. Studies have shown that media can shape public perception and influence behavior, making the media a powerful player in public relations,” she said.
She called on the media to provide information that is both truthful and contextually accurate to help individuals make informed choices, particularly on issues like tobacco harm reduction by maintaining a commitment to ethical journalism.”
“When we approach tobacco manufacturing with a commitment to ethical reporting, our impact on public health, perception, and policy is substantial. By ensuring that the public receives clear, accurate information, we enable individuals to make informed choices about their health and contribute to a better understanding of manufacturing and policy,” urged Dr. Korir.
The event themed “Enabling Innovation in Harm Reduction through Science-Led Regulation and Policymaking” brought together high-level policymakers, public health experts, media stakeholders, and representatives from the Bar, Hotels, and Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA).
