WHO Supports Kenya's Ban On E-cigarettes And Nicotine Bags

According to the Kenyan Star on December 14th, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed support for Kenya's proposal to ban e-cigarettes and nicotine bags, stating that it has "warning evidence" about the destructive health effects of these products.
In September 2022, nominated Senator Catherine Mumma proposed a motion to ban or strictly regulate electronic cigarettes and new nicotine delivery products. Senators support the motion, pointing out that nicotine abuse and the increasing use of e-cigarettes by minors and students are posing a threat to society. Although the harm of these products has been proven, they are publicly displayed in Kenyan stores and promoted on social media.
On Thursday, December 14th, the World Health Organization refuted the claims of supporters of nicotine products, claiming that these products can help smokers of traditional cigarettes quit smoking.
The World Health Organization stated in a statement:
"Urgent action is needed to control e-cigarettes to protect children and non-smokers, and minimize their health hazards to the population. From a demographic perspective, e-cigarettes as consumer products have not shown effective effects in helping people quit tobacco use. On the contrary, some warning evidence has emerged about the adverse effects of e-cigarettes on population health."
The organization also released a technical note calling for global action on e-cigarettes. Currently, 34 countries prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes, 88 countries do not have a minimum age for purchasing e-cigarettes, and 74 countries do not have any regulations on these harmful products.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, said, "Children are being recruited and trapped to use e-cigarettes, which may become addicted to nicotine. I urge countries to implement strict measures to prevent the spread of e-cigarettes to protect citizens, especially children and young people."
The Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance (Ketca) also supports banning these products. "We have evidence that distributors of tobacco industry and other nicotine products are recruiting elementary school children through targeted advertising, and we need to implement a comprehensive ban on these products," said Joel Gitali, the chairman of a national network dedicated to health advocacy in civil society.
Now, the Kenyan Senate is waiting for a legislative proposal to control electronic atomizers and other nicotine delivery products.