Tobacco Harm Reduction: Lessons from the Global Forum on Nicotine
Recently, The Guide team had the opportunity to attend the Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN) in Warsaw, Poland — a landmark annual event dedicated to science, policy, and progress in the field of tobacco harm reduction (THR). We were invited by Philip Morris International (PMI) to experience this important international gathering, where industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and public health experts converge to explore safer alternatives to smoking.
Hosted over four days at the prestigious Presidential Hotel, the forum spotlighted innovative solutions such as vaping, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine products — tools that are rapidly shaping a new chapter in the global conversation on nicotine.
What is Tobacco Harm Reduction?
Tobacco harm reduction is a public health approach designed to help adult smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit nicotine entirely. Rather than insisting on cold turkey cessation, THR promotes switching to significantly less harmful alternatives than traditional combustible cigarettes.
The urgency is clear. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are roughly 1.3 billion tobacco users globally, with 80% living in low- and middle-income countries. Tobacco related diseases are responsible for over 8 million deaths each year. These sobering statistics highlight the critical need for science backed scalable harm reduction strategies.
Inside the Conference
GFN offered a dynamic program of expert led sessions, workshops, and even a short film festival. Delegates were free to explore a wide range of topics — from regulatory reform to cutting edge product design.
Major players like PMI, BAT (British American Tobacco), and Imperial Brands exhibited their latest innovations, including heated tobacco devices, oral nicotine pouches, and other next generation alternatives. However, it was notable that some of these products — particularly from Imperial — are not yet available in South Africa, raising valid questions about accessibility and local readiness.
A Compelling Opening from Dr. Mark Tyndall
One of the forum’s standout moments came from Dr. Mark Tyndall, a seasoned public health expert with experience in Nairobi and Vancouver. Drawing a powerful parallel between harm reduction in smoking and HIV treatment, he said:
“With risky behaviours, we can’t always eliminate the risk, but we can reduce it. Making safer nicotine products harder to access is like denying HIV treatment during the early years of the pandemic.”
His takeaway? If we’re serious about saving lives, safer options must be easier to access, not harder.
Science at the Core
In a session titled The Science Lab, leading researchers unveiled new breakthroughs in nicotine safety and formulation. A standout talk from Paweł Woźnicki explored how advanced filtration processes are being used to remove unwanted aroma compounds and contaminants from nicotine extracts. This work is crucial in developing cleaner, more consistent nicotine products that consumers can trust.
As Woźnicki’s presentation made clear, THR isn’t just about flashy tech — it’s about rigorous science at the molecular level.
The Messaging Challenge
A separate session focused on media, messaging, and public trust, addressing how misinformation and sensational headlines have undermined public understanding of THR. Speakers stressed the importance of clear, fact-based communication, particularly in countries like South Africa, where the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill is currently under review.
If passed, this legislation could significantly impact how vapes, nicotine pouches, and other smoke free products are regulated — for better or worse.
Why South Africa Needs to Tune In
Global forums like GFN aren’t just for academics or industry leaders. They offer a critical opportunity for government officials, lawmakers, and public health agencies to access global research, policy insights, and real world case studies.
In South Africa, many tobacco related laws are still based on older frameworks that don’t account for today’s rapidly evolving harm reduction landscape. This risks leaving millions of smokers behind.
In 2021, the Global Adult Tobacco Survey conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) revealed that approximately 11.1 million adults in South Africa still smoked tobacco products. That’s a massive public health challenge — and a massive opportunity.
Our firsthand experience at the Global Forum on Nicotine was both eye opening and energising. It showed us that across the globe, scientists, innovators, and advocates are actively working to build a safer future for adult smokers.
What South Africa needs now is greater public education, updated policy, and political will. Tobacco harm reduction is not a fringe idea — it’s a critical public health tool.
If we want to meaningfully reduce smoking related deaths, then it’s time to bring harm reduction to the centre of South Africa’s public health conversation.