Graphic health warnings introduced for E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products
Judy Sheri - PCO
The Ministry of Health, through the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, has unveiled new graphic health warnings (GHWs) for the novel nicotine and emerging tobacco products.
The move, in line with the Tobacco Control Act of 2007, underscores the Ministry’s dedication to safeguarding public health.
The new GHWs are designed to educate consumers about the risks linked to novel nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, which have seen a surge in use, particularly among young people.
Research highlights that these products can lead to nicotine addiction and pose severe health risks. The enhanced warnings, featuring striking imagery, aim to inform the public and deter tobacco consumption, especially among vulnerable populations.
In a press release, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, emphasized the importance of modernizing tobacco control efforts to address evolving challenges.
“We are taking a proactive approach to tobacco control by updating our health warnings to reflect the current landscape of tobacco use,” said Ms. Muthoni.
“These graphic warnings serve as a crucial tool in our ongoing efforts to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health, particularly among our youth,” she said.
The new warnings incorporate powerful images illustrating the harmful effects of nicotine and tobacco to maximize visibility and impact. They also focus on emerging concerns related to novel nicotine products, ensuring relevance to current public health challenges.
The new graphic health warnings will be mandatory on all packaging of novel nicotine and emerging tobacco products. Compliance will be strictly enforced, with penalties imposed for non-adherence to public health regulations.
The Ministry of Health is calling on stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, and the public, to support this initiative in the interest of improved health outcomes.
By reinforcing awareness of the dangers associated with novel nicotine products, the Ministry aims to curb tobacco use and promote a healthier society, she said.
This year, the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards launched a comprehensive strategy to address drug and substance abuse.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by alarming statistics showing that approximately 4.7 million Kenyans (17 per cent) aged 15-65 years currently use substances of abuse. Of grave concern is the impact on young people aged 15-24, with 367,608 affected by alcohol use, 230,130 using tobacco products, 259,954 consuming khat, and 193,430 using cannabis.
The Ministry of Health has outlined key actions, including the establishment of treatment and rehabilitation centers in high-prevalence regions, integrating substance abuse treatment into SHIF coverage packages, implementing the new graphic health warnings for tobacco products, and training community health promoters on substance use disorders.
Additionally, efforts are being made to enhance the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) reporting on substance use and to amend the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 to address emerging challenges.
Speaking on the way forward, Ms Muthoni called on county governments to allocate resources for prevention and rehabilitation programs, establish county-specific drug control task forces, and support the establishment and implementation of treatment centers.
She emphasized the importance of training community health promoters to aid in early intervention and recovery support.
Law enforcement agencies have been urged to strengthen coordination with health officials, enhance surveillance at entry points to curb illicit substance trade, support community-based prevention efforts, and protect rehabilitation centers and their clients.
Meanwhile, the PS encouraged civil society organizations to partner in awareness campaigns, provide mentorship to young people, support rehabilitation programs, and facilitate community support groups to aid in recovery and reintegration.
She highlighted the need for schools and universities to implement drug awareness programs, review curricula to include substance abuse prevention messages, and create safe spaces for students affected by addiction.