225 300
Tobacco Control and Health Promotion Alliance has dismissed latest calls by some medical Practitioners who were advising the World Health Organization to approve usage of alternative products.
TCHP chairman Joel Gitali said the alternatives are addictive like the other forms.
“The alternatives are not a solution to curing of addiction. They will only ensure that Tobacco usage expands,”said Gitali.
He further said that the products are meant for adults who are addicted and find it hard to quit and recruit young smokers.
“The products are for adults who are addicted and find it hard to quit, they recruit young people into smoking,”said Gitali.
Under African Harm Reduction AHRA, the medical Practitioners appealed to delegates who attended the 9th WHO conference on the control of tobacco to prevent tobacco deaths by promoting safe alternatives.
They said WHO should regulate tobacco especially Cigarette.
AHRA chief Executive Officer, Dr. Delon Human said scientific evidence shows that vaping and nicotine pouches are much harmless than cigarette.
“They can offer smokers a chance to quit smoking habits,”he said.
READ ALSO:Alliance Urges Government to Effect Ban on Tobacco Products
“Public health policies should acknowledge that these are potential life-saving tactics and may have a positive impact in low and middle income countries,”he added.