At the high-level Technovation summit in Cape Town, a clarion call was made for African nations to adopt innovative approaches to tobacco control, with the goal of making cigarettes obsolete. Philip Morris International (PMI), a leading voice in the global push for harm reduction, urged policymakers, scientists, and public health advocates to embrace science-backed, smoke-free alternatives to tackle the continent’s growing smoking epidemic.
The summit convened experts, journalists, and policymakers to discuss replacing traditional cigarettes with less harmful alternatives that eliminate combustion, the primary source of toxic chemicals in tobacco. Tommaso Di Giovanni, PMI’s Vice President of Communications and Engagement, emphasized the transformative potential of innovation. “Skepticism and resistance often stall progress,” he said. “Innovation has the power to address global challenges, and Africa must not be left behind.”
Sub-Saharan Africa faces a dire public health challenge. Smoking prevalence has surged from 52 million smokers in 2000 to 66 million in 2015, with projections estimating 84 million by the end of 2025. This alarming trend threatens to undermine public health gains and overburden already strained healthcare systems. In countries like The Gambia, where youth vulnerability and rising non-communicable diseases are pressing concerns, the need for proactive measures is urgent.
PMI’s vision centers on replacing cigarettes with scientifically validated, smoke-free products. While not risk-free, these alternatives significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, offering a better option for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking. “Our goal is not to sell more cigarettes,” Di Giovanni stated. “It’s to replace them with better alternatives that science supports.” Since 2014, PMI has invested over $12.5 billion in research and development, expanding its smoke-free products to more than 95 markets and supporting 38 million adult smokers who have switched. Over 500 peer-reviewed publications underpin these efforts.
Andrea Gonkáliková, PMI’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs, highlighted the need for collaborative action. She urged African governments to adopt regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation and prioritize public health. “Collective action will enable Africa to leapfrog into a smoke-free future,” she said, warning that resistance to innovation has led to missed opportunities elsewhere.
The push aligns with global health recommendations. As early as 1997, the UN’s Focal Point on Tobacco called for reducing the toxicity of tobacco products. PMI’s initiatives build on this, aiming to curb smoking-related diseases and deaths through alternatives that transform nicotine consumption. For The Gambia, adopting such policies could prevent long-term health crises by providing adult smokers with less harmful options while deterring youth smoking.
The summit underscored the broader implications for Africa. With smoking rates climbing, innovative policies could save millions of lives and ease the burden on healthcare systems. The Gambia, grappling with limited health infrastructure, stands to benefit significantly from embracing this movement. By offering science-backed alternatives and enforcing strict regulations to prevent youth access, African nations can address the tobacco epidemic proactively.
As the global smoke-free movement gains traction, African countries are at a crossroads. The challenge is clear: join the journey toward a future where cigarettes are obsolete or risk being left behind in the fight for public health. In Cape Town, the message resonated—innovation, science, and bold policymaking are the keys to a healthier, smoke-free Africa.
The post Africa Urged to Embrace Innovation in Tobacco Control at Cape Town Summit appeared first on The Alkamba Times.
