By Amos Sikaonga 
By Cecilia Chiluba
Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) Zambia has cautioned that Zambia’s progress towards tobacco harm reduction still faces obstacles due to low public awareness and inconsistent access to alternatives.
Organization Spokesperson Rebecca Mwambuy noted that safer alternatives can provide a route to a healthier future for Zambians.
Ms. Mwambuy argued that this is why Zambia must invest in evidence-based education and policy development.
She stressed that rather than judging or condemning, strategies should be developed that support healthier decisions—without imposing unrealistic expectations of perfection.
“As in much of the world, Zambians are familiar with the appeal of lifestyle choices that might present health risks. Whether it is alcohol, tobacco, or unhealthy eating habits, the temptations of modern living are a reality that everyone faces daily,” Ms. Mwambuy stated.
She explained that harm reduction plays a crucial role as a compassionate and practical approach to public health.
Ms. Mwambuy outlined that, at its foundation, harm reduction recognizes human behavior and seeks to minimize its negative impacts, as it enables safer choices and has saved countless lives, particularly in Africa, where the stakes are high and challenges are complex.
She observed that Zambia’s public health sector is now ready for a deeper discussion on harm reduction.
“While progress has been made in tackling HIV, alcohol misuse, and non-communicable diseases, there is still significant room for improvement—especially regarding smoking. Tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable death,” she said.
Mwambuy highlighted that in Zambia, tobacco-related diseases such as heart disease, respiratory illness, and cancer place a burden on families and the healthcare system, asserting that simply instructing people to quit is insufficient.
She explained that nicotine is addictive, and quitting smoking is famously challenging.
Mwambuy pointed out that safer nicotine alternatives—such as nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products hold great potential.
“These alternatives provide nicotine without exposing users to the thousands of harmful toxins found in cigarettes.”
Mwambuy acknowledged that these products are not entirely risk-free, but emphasized that they are significantly less harmful and have helped millions worldwide to reduce or quit smoking.
She explained that while the use of smokeless products has risen, smoking rates have dropped to record lows, indicating that the opposite of the gateway effect may be occurring.
Mwambuy affirmed that the organization remains committed to promoting innovative smoking cessation solutions to lower tobacco-related deaths in Zambia while continuing to support tobacco control efforts across Africa.
Cecilia Chiluba