Health Ministry introduces graphic warnings for emerging tobacco products
The initiative aims to educate consumers on the dangers of products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, which have gained traction, particularly among young people.
The Ministry of Health has introduced new graphic health warnings (GHWs) for novel nicotine and emerging tobacco products, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding public health.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, announced the gazettement of these warnings, which align with the Tobacco Control Act of 2007.
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The initiative aims to educate consumers on the dangers of products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, which have gained traction, particularly among young people. Research highlights that these products contribute to nicotine addiction and pose significant health risks.
"We are adopting a proactive approach to tobacco control by modernising our health warnings to tackle emerging challenges," said Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni. "These graphic warnings are crucial in our fight to reduce tobacco consumption and protect public health, particularly among young people."
Key features of the new graphic health warnings include:
Vivid Imagery – Striking visuals illustrate the harmful effects of nicotine and tobacco use, ensuring the warnings are both eye-catching and memorable.
Targeted Messaging – The warnings address concerns specific to novel nicotine products, reflecting the evolving landscape of tobacco use.
The new GHWs will be mandatory on all novel nicotine and emerging tobacco product packaging and advertisements. Strict enforcement measures will be in place, with penalties for non-compliance to uphold public health standards.
In Kenya, tobacco smoking claims approximately 12,000 lives annually. In 2022, 46% of 2,000 Kenyan patients receiving treatment for chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, malignant cancers, and tuberculosis had a history of tobacco use.
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