Kenya to Follow Sweden’s approach in Reducing Tobacco-Related Deaths

Sweden is set to become the first "smoke-free" country, thanks to its adoption of tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies. By encouraging smokers to switch from traditional cigarettes to safer nicotine alternatives, Sweden has significantly lowered smoking rates and smoking-related deaths.

Experts at a recent Nairobi workshop highlighted the potential for Kenya to replicate Sweden’s success. They estimated that 184,000 lives could be saved if Kenya implemented similar harm reduction measures. These strategies focus on helping smokers transition to less harmful products as a pathway to quitting altogether.

According to Quit Like Sweden, Sweden’s smoking rate is five times lower than the European Union (EU) average, contributing to a 40% reduction in cancer rates and 21% fewer smoking-related deaths compared to the EU.

A report titled Saving 600,000 Lives in Nigeria and Kenya revealed that by adopting harm reduction policies, Kenya could cut tobacco-related deaths from 8,000 annually to 3,400 by 2060.

Suely Castro, Director of Quit Like Sweden, echoed this sentiment, urging Kenya to tailor Sweden’s model to its own context, backed by research and community engagement. Joseph Magero, chair of the Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), described the initiative as a chance for Kenya to lead Africa in adopting balanced tobacco control measures, reducing disease and offering smokers effective tools to quit.

Meanwhile, the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Senator Catherine Mumma, seeks to update the Tobacco Control Act of 2007. The bill, under Senate review, aims to regulate modern nicotine products, ensuring their safe production, marketing, and use. Advocates argue that such regulations could help smokers transition to safer options, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.