Needs And Challenges Of Tobacco Harm Reduction In Nigeria

Cigarette smoking is a very hard addiction to break. It was reported that 80% of smokers who attempted to quit smoking on their own failed within the first month and only about 3-5% remained abstinent at 6 months (Riccardo et al, 2011). The addictive part of smoking cigarettes is not at all the issue, but the harm caused during the process of burning Tobacco. The harm caused by Tobacco calls for a public health concern, hence the reason for Tobacco Harm Reduction(THR).

According to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Nigerians smoke 20 billion cigarettes annually. With this huge number, it is sad to know that the populace has no or little knowledge about THR. The baseline knowledge of most smokers and non-smokers is still very minimal and in some cases no information at all. Many smokers who may want to quit smoking are deprived of information that may guide them. The market strategies of THR products in Nigeria are not encouraging as well. The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is yet to take a solid stance on THR.

According to WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC),  tobacco use accounts for an estimated 16,100 deaths every year with more than 3.5 million Nigerians (15 years and older) and more than 25,000 children (10-14 years) using tobacco daily in Nigeria. With this rate, Nigeria as a country is far from benefiting from her Demographic Dividend. The only solution to improve the situation and also reduce the mortality rate due to Tobacco use is by introducing the Public Health Strategies of reducing the risk of Tobacco. With adequate publicity and information made available to the public, the individual (smokers) can make an informed decision on what practices of THR best fits them.

1. Low awareness:

Only a few Nigerians who smoke are sufficiently aware of the risks of smoking as well as the safer alternatives to smoking tobacco such as nicotine replacement therapy(NRT) and an even fewer percentage are aware that tobacco harm results not from the nicotine but from nicotine additives.

2. Beliefs and perception:

Africa, and Nigeria most especially, is built on various beliefs and this poses a challenge to the THR initiative because not many people are quick to embrace new ideas, or do away with the conventional, forsaking their personal beliefs. Unfortunately, some are quick to frown at the idea or treat it with outright suspicion.

3. Weak Regulatory Policies:

Many people are still skeptical of the THR initiative probably because the government is yet to take a solid stance in favour of the initiative. There are, in fact, no effective policies put in place to checkmate the sales of cigarettes and tobacco nor are there stringent policies to encourage the use of NRT instead.

4. Political Factors:

Replacing tobacco with safer alternatives continues to remain an issue in Nigeria, although there are already several mechanisms in motion to achieving THR in Nigeria. This is due to the fact that manufacturers of cigarettes would continue to frustrate the efforts of THR in a bid to stay in business.

1. Increased Awareness:

Both local and global efforts should be employed in raising the awareness of the citizenry to the risks associated with tobacco smoking. The concerted efforts of the media and the public must be harnessed in advocating for THR in Nigeria through repeated awareness campaigns.

2. Public Sensitization:

This will be aimed at addressing common fears, skepticisms, and suspicions concerning THR among members of the public by behavioural communication change programs so as to make them more receptive to the idea.

3. Enforcement of Effective Policies:

The government can ensure that effective policies are put in place to completely stop the manufacture and sales of harmful tobacco in whatever form and to redirect their efforts towards implementing policies that will favour the use of NRT instead. Most importantly, all policies must be followed to the latter. Diplomatic measures should be used to circumvent the activities of tobacco manufacturers in frustrating THR initiative in Nigeria.

The challenges facing THR in Nigeria can be addressed by both local and global concerted efforts of the government and the public in securing a safe, healthy and friendly environment for all.