Africa’s Nicotine Moment: What to Watch in 2026
By Joseph Magero As Africa moves into 2026, the continent is quietly becoming one of the most consequential battlegrounds for the future of tobacco harm reduction. With a fast-growing population, limited healthcare capacity, and millions of adult smokers, policy decisions taken in the next year will determine whether smoking declines rapidly or remains entrenched for
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E-cigarette users face up to $190 fines in Vietnam
People who use e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products in Vietnam will face fines ranging from VND3 million to VND5 million (US$114–190) and will be required to destroy the products, a government decree stipulates. Under Decree No. 371, which takes effect on Dec. 31, individuals who allow the use of e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products at
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Uganda approves groundbreaking twice-yearly HIV PrEP drug
Uganda’s National Drug Authority approved Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, on January 5, 2025. The drug was developed by US-based Gilead Sciences. Clinical trials showed it prevents HIV infection with 100 per cent effectiveness in high-risk groups. “Uganda’s National Drug Authority has just approved Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly dose of PrEP
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