Experts have called on African governments to prioritise scientific research to generate accurate and reliable data for improved healthcare delivery.
The experts from the health, social policy and media sectors made the call at the Fourth Harm Reduction Exchange in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Harm Reduction Exchange is an annual forum which brings together health practitioners, civil society organisations, policy makers and the media to discuss harm reduction.
This year’s edition, with the theme “Enabling Innovation Through Science-led Regulation,” had participants from different African countries and the United Kingdom, who attended both physically and virtually.
The professionals decried the lack of attention given to research on the continent and harped on the need for collaboration between civil society, the media, and health practitioners to ensure sound health policies in Africa.
Panellists at the exchange said effective communication between researchers and stakeholders is crucial for policy change. They stressed that since governments were often reluctant to adopt harm reduction policies, advocacy by civil society was strategic.
A resource person from Nigeria, Dr Martin Agwogie, said harm reduction was based on scientific evidence of the complex nature of substance use and substance use disorders.
Agwogie, who is the founder of the Global Initiative for Substance Abuse, said harm reduction recognised the fact that some users do not wish to stop, adding that it strives to “help persons who use drugs to remain relevant to families and at work despite their drug use while steering them towards behaviour change.”
He said harm reduction helps in supporting the development of individual drug use harm minimisation strategies, risky drug-using practices and treatment goals.
“The concept is a form of give and take approach to drug use treatment…building local and international harm reduction network of civil society and healthcare professionals is crucial,” Agwogie said.
According to other experts, influencing drug policy change from repressive to public health approaches was essential for harm reduction practices, while focusing on individual behaviour and the physical and social environment was vital for effective harm reduction practices.
They said developing national drug policies that accommodate harm reduction strategies, improving knowledge of substance use disorders, and changing public perception about people who use drugs was necessary, emphasising that one area where harm reduction was essential is tobacco use, where smokers need to adopt safer alternatives like the scientifically proven alternative products to tobacco.
“Despite scientific evidence supporting tobacco harm reduction, misaligned regulations and biases stifle innovation and block access to lifesaving alternatives. Innovative products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
“Policymakers must commit to impartiality, engage with stakeholders, prioritise public education, and encourage responsible innovations. Collaboration between researchers, regulators, and public health advocates is crucial for translating evidence into policies.
“Standardised product safety requirements, common testing protocols, and shared definitions for product categories are necessary for regulatory harmonisation. Rapid integration of new scientific evidence and shared monitoring and evaluation systems are also essential.
“Regional centres of excellence and standardised reporting can ensure effective monitoring and evaluation.
By addressing scientific research gaps, implementing balanced regulations, and fostering collaboration, we can pave the way for a future with fewer tobacco-related harms,” they added.
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