NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 11 – Advocates for harm reduction are urging health officials to take notice of a groundbreaking international study involving 27,000 smokers, which reveals that vaping is the most successful method for helping smokers break free from their hazardous addiction.
The study, conducted by experts affiliated with the esteemed Cochrane network, has determined that using vaping devices significantly improves the chances of quitting smoking compared to traditional Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) like patches, gums, or lozenges.
In fact, smokers who turn to vaping are more than twice as likely to successfully quit as those who rely solely on behavioral support, as highlighted in the study.
Joseph Magero, Chairman of the Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), commented today, “This significant study provides yet more compelling evidence that vaping, along with other contemporary nicotine products, has the potential to save the lives of Kenyan smokers.”
He added, “Each year, thousands of Kenyan lives are prematurely lost due to an inability to overcome cigarette addiction. However, scientific evidence demonstrates with a high degree of certainty that vaping and nicotine pouches are considerably less harmful and offer adult smokers a path away from deadly tobacco.”
Magero emphasized the importance of the Cochrane review for Ministry of Health officials who are currently assessing new regulations for harm reduction products. He pointed out that the study debunks many of the claims against these products as unfounded myths and misinformation.
The Ministry has announced its review of the Tobacco Act of 2007 following anti-vaping campaigns.
Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and co-lead of the Cochrane review, called for evidence-based policymaking, stating, “We have clear evidence that, while not entirely without risk, nicotine e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking. Some individuals who previously struggled with other cessation aids have reported success with e-cigarettes.”
Magero urged health officials to heed international evidence highlighting the advantages of modern nicotine alternatives. He noted that the latest Cochrane review adds to the mounting confirmation of these products saving lives worldwide. For instance, Sweden is on the verge of achieving smoke-free status largely due to the availability of alternative nicotine products. Additionally, the English health service is distributing free vaping devices to smokers as an incentive to quit.
“Kenya risks moving in the wrong direction by rejecting the life-saving potential of these innovative products. To prevent unnecessary deaths, we need evidence-based policies, not unfounded beliefs and propaganda,” he concludes.
