4th Edition: The Harm Reduction Exchange

Dr. Cédric Namegabe

Dr. Cédric Namegabe is a treating physician at the Ngaliema clinic (Kinshasa) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a diverse medical background, as a sports physician, demographer and member of the Multisectoral Committee for the fight against Covid-19 in the DRC (USP Expert).

His work covers clinical practice, sports medicine and public health in response to various epidemics as an expert in Public Health Emergency (USP). Dr. Cédric Namegabe has extensive experience in tobacco harm reduction (THR) and smoking cessation initiatives by actively participating in community education and advocating for safer alternatives to smoking in order to reduce the health risks associated with smoking worldwide, especially for vulnerable people, athletes particularly affected by the negative effects of tobacco.

Dr. Cédric Namegabe plays a crucial role in the fight against tobacco-related challenges in several sectors, hence his commitment to the fight against the harmful effects of tobacco, both on the ground and in everyday life, which makes him an important figure in the THR movement in Africa.

Chimwemwe Ngoma

Chimwemwe Ngoma is an emerging academic and early-career researcher with a Master of Arts in Media Studies from the University of Malawi. His research interests encompass media studies, harm reduction and public health. These interests are reflected in his contributions to the academic community, including journal publications and participation in research endeavors. He is also a reviewer on a number of academic journals. Beyond his academic work, Chimwemwe is a dedicated advocate for health equity. His perspectives have been featured in reputable news outlets across Malawi and Africa, including AllAfrica.

Dr. Michael Kariuki

Dr Michael Kariuki is a Consultant Paediatrician, Public Health specialist and an Epidemiologist with interest in Harm Reduction in Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabis, Pesticide and Opioids. He a founder member and secretary of Harm Reduction Society in Kenya. He has over 15 years experience in clinical work, public health and leadership. Over the past two years he has conducted extensive work on THR including research on Toxicants of STPs in Kenya and being a host in media and writing of op-eds. He is self-driven desirous to see positive impact and change in society. He is a children’s advocate in safety and health.

Dr. Vivianne Manyeki

Dr. Vivian Manyeki MMED MPH MBA-HCM, born and raised in Kenya, Dr. Manyeki completed her medical degree at Kuban State Medical University and had an attachment in Cyprus before joining Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the largest referral facility in East Africa. She initially worked in the Research and Quality departments in different capacities before moving to the Infectious Disease Unit in April 2020.She oversaw clinical expertise and patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic and has a passion for research on matters affecting adolescents and young adults. Her interaction with the effects of tobacco and its link to the severity of the COVID cases she interacted with fueled her keen interest in research on the harms of tobacco has published and presented keynote speeches at several conferences on Harm reduction.
Other senior roles have included Medical Superintendent at Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital, Project Director-Kirinyaga County Health Management Team, Implementing Manager for the CRISSP Funded HIV and TB Innovations, CO-PI /project study lead at KNH/UW programs.

Emmanuel Mbenza Rocha

Emmanuel Mbenza Rocha is a delicate communicator scientist based in Kinshasa, DRC, with a strong focus on tobacco harm reduction, smoking trends in Africa, and tobacco cessation efforts. His work is driven by the belief that innovative, science-based approaches are essential to improving public health and mitigating the negative impacts of smoking.

With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding tobacco use in African communities particulary with the congolese community, Emmanuel actively explores alternative solutions—such as reduced-risk products (including nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes)—that offer smokers safer ways to reduce harmonisation with multiples awarness campaigns. He also monitors smoking trends across the region to support informed decision-making among policy makers and public health practitioners.

Emmanuel’s commitment extends to advocating for evidence-based policies that align with the unique challenges of tobacco control in Africa. His efforts focus on empowering communities to make informed health choices while encouraging cessation strategies that reflect local realities. Through research and public engagement, he seeks to shape a future where smokers have access to safer alternatives, ultimately reducing smoking-related illnesses and deaths.

Pr. Issa Wone

Prof. Issa Wone: Doctor of Medicine (University of Dakar, 1991), Certificate of Special Studies in Public Health (Institute of Health and Development, University of Dakar, 1995), Msc in Epidemiology (University of Bordeaux II, France, 2001), and MSc in International Development (Tulane University/LA/USA, 2013), and Associate Professor of Public Health (CAMES, 2014).

Currently Full Professor of Public Health at the Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor, President of the National Alliance against Non-Communicable Diseases, also consultant on Public Health issues.

As a researcher and teacher, Prof. WONE has mainly focused his work on the planning, monitoring and evaluation of his health projects and programs. He has been interested in non-communicable diseases for several years. He has assisted several African countries (Senegal, Cameroon, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, Burundi) in the development of their policies, public health strategies, and national health development plans. Associate Professor Issa WONE since November 2014, also holds a Certificate of Special Studies in Public Health (ISED/UCAD), a Master’s degree in Epidemiology (University of Bordeaux II, France) and a Master of Science in International Development (Payson Center, Tulane University, LA/USA). He holds several certificates in various fields related to public health (statistics and modelling, research methodology, clinical research, etc.)

Joseph Magero

Joseph Magero is the Chairman of Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), a pan-African organization that advocates for the adoption of tobacco harm reduction policies in Africa. As the unifying voice for consumer organizations, CASA promotes the exchange of information and potential actions to reduce exposure to tobacco-related harm.
He is a dynamic public policy expert and dedicated harm reduction fellow committed to pioneering progressive solutions in the field of public health. Driven by a passion for public health and a desire to effect meaningful change, Joseph has been instrumental in raising awareness and championing evidence-based strategies for tobacco harm reduction.
His advocacy efforts have extended beyond borders, engaging with policymakers, health organizations, and local communities to promote pragmatic solutions aimed at reducing the prevalence of smoking and its associated health risks.
In 2019, Mr. Magero was awarded Advocate of the Year by the International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organizations (INNCO).

Karl Fagerström

Karl Fagerström is born in Sweden 1946. He studied at the University of Uppsala and graduated as a licensed clinical psychologist 1975. At that time he started a smoking cessation clinic and invented the Fagerstrom Test for Cigarette Dependence. In 1981 he got his Ph.D. on a dissertation about nicotine dependence and smoking cessation. In the end of the seventies and early eighties he served as the editor – in – chief for the Scandinavian Journal for Behaviour Therapy.

From 1983 through 1997 he worked for Pfizer as Director of Scientific Information for Nicotine Replacement Products. He has worked with the nicotine gum Nicorette since 1975 and has been contributing to NRT developments such as patch, spray, pouch and inhaler. Ever since 1975 to 2010 he has been working clinically part-time. From 1997 to 2008 he worked with his private research clinic where he studied various drugs intended for treating nicotine dependence. He started a company NicoNovum that developed the first non-tobacco nicotine pouch.

Currently he works with his own private consultancy (Fagerstrom Consulting). He is a founding member of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco and has been Deputy Editor of the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research from 2007-2017. He started the European SRNT affiliate in 1999 of which he was the president of up to 2003.
His main research contributions have been in the fields of Behaviour Medicine, Tobacco and Nicotine with 180 peer reviewed publications of which he is the first author of about 110.

The current main interests are on understanding the positive effects of nicotine and reducing harm and exposure to tobacco toxins among all those who cannot give up smoking. He was awarded the WHO medal 1999 for outstanding work in tobacco control and 2013 he was the recipient of the Award on Clinical Science from the Society for Research on Tobacco and Nicotine.

Mr. Samuel Cudjoe Hanu

Mr. Samuel Cudjoe Hanu is a passionate advocate and expert in harm reduction within the West African sub-region, specializing in substance use disorders and mental health. His work spans a wide range of areas, including tobacco harm reduction, addiction treatment, prevention, health promotion, and community outreach.

Mr. Hanu holds a Master’s degree in Addiction Studies from the prestigious International Program in Addiction Studies, alongside numerous professional certifications and recognitions in the field. As an early-career researcher, he has made significant contributions to harm reduction, notably through a systematic review and meta-analytic study on antipsychotic medication for managing substance use disorders, as well as a content analysis of substance misuse coverage in Ghanaian newspapers.

His commitment to harm reduction has been acknowledged through various awards and grants, including the Mrs. Emma Hellen Banga Health Advocacy and Human Rights Award and an educational grant supporting tobacco harm reduction initiatives in Ghana.

Mr. Hanu serves as a member of the Harm Reduction Technical Working Group in Ghana, where he provides technical expertise for implementing harm reduction services across the country. His international experience includes representing Ghana as part of a delegation that visited Kenya for a familiarization and educational tour of the harm reduction services available there.

In addition to his advocacy and research, Mr. Hanu is a skilled addiction counselor with years of experience supporting individuals and communities in their recovery journeys. His unwavering dedication to harm reduction continues to shape policy and practice, driving impactful change in the region and beyond.

Uche Olatunji

Uche Olatunji is the Project Manager of THRNigeria, a pioneering consumer and advocacy group dedicated to advancing tobacco harm reduction (THR) in Nigeria. With a mission to provide Nigerians with unbiased, science-based resources about nicotine and safer alternatives to traditional smoking, Uche has established THRNigeria as a key platform for promoting informed decision-making and public awareness in the field of harm reduction.

Uche’s work with Tobacco Harm Reduction Nigeria focuses on educating both the public and policymakers about the potential of THR in mitigating smoking-related harm. He emphasizes that, through scientific resources and clear communication, individuals can make choices that align with safer, healthier lifestyles. THR-Nigeria offers insights into alternatives like nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, empowering individuals who seek to quit smoking or transition to lower-risk products.

Wilson Box

Wilson Box, Projects Executive Director for Zimbabwe Civil liberties and Drug Network, holds a Masters in Development Studies specializing in Public Policy and Management from the Erasmus University Rotterdam`s Institute of Social Studies Graduate School.

Wilson is a fellow of the Open Society Foundation in which he undertook programmes in Human Rights and Drug Policy Reform at the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary and The Graduate Institute of the University of Geneva, Switzerland in which he has done programmes in Drug Policy Reform, Global Health and Diplomacy. Wilson through Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network, a peer led initiative of communities using drugs in Zimbabwe, has been instrumental in having the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan and the Treatment and rehabilitation guidelines adopted by the government of Zimbabwe in 2021. The documents are anchored on harm reduction services.

Internationally, Wilson has been a board member of the Vienna N G O Committee on Drugs where he served as Deputy Secretary. In the region, he has been a pioneer and founder of the Southern Africa Drug Policy Reform and Harm Reduction Network. Wilson has contributed to academia through a book chapter, The impact of Global drug policy on Women. Shifting the needle.

www.emerald.com/insight/publication/doi/10.1108/9781839828829. For Zimbabwe, Wilson has led Z.C.L.D.N in partnership with the National Aids Council, Ministry of Health and Child Care,UNAIDS and Maineline of Netherlands inn A situational analysis on drug use in Zimbabwe`s five provinces, https://english.mainline.nl/posts/show/14783,

Dr. Mercy Korir

Dr. Mercy Korir is an award-winning Medical Doctor, Journalist and Business Executive, renown for her expertise in health journalism and strategic communications. She’s the co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief at Willow Health Media, a niche digital media platform that exclusively reports on health issues across Kenya and the region.
Willow innovatively conceptualizes, compiles and disseminates distinctive health and science content through its website, Willow Tv, Podcasts and various social media channels with the purpose of catering for the selective consumption of different audiences.
Dr. Korir’s multifaceted background positions her as a versatile and impactful professional in the healthcare and media sectors. A pioneer medical journalist, Dr. Korir played a pivotal role at The Standard Group PLC, where she served as the Editor and Team Lead of the Health & Science Desk, where she revolutionized the media landscape by establishing it as the first-ever Multimedia Health and Science Desk in Kenya.
Her notable accomplishments include conceptualizing high-quality content for TV, radio, and digital platforms, hosting TV health shows, events and amplifying revenue growth through strategic partnerships. In addition to her medical qualifications, Dr. Korir holds a Masters in Business Administration with a focus on Finance and Marketing, a Master of Arts in Communication Studies among other specialized trainings in leadership and journalism.
Dr. Korir is inspired by her son and such young generations from whom we have borrowed the future, and must leave it better for them.

Dr Martin Agwogie

Dr. Agwogie is the Founder/Executive Director, Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA), the National President of the International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP) Nigeria Chapter. He is also the Assistant Coordinator of the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR) in Africa, the National Coordinator of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) in Nigeria.

Dr. Agwogie is a Global trainer in Drug Demand Reduction, an expert contributor to the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention and the UNODC Guiding Document on the Role of Law Enforcement Officers in Drug Use Prevention in the School Setting.

He is an Asst. Professor, Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States, a Fulbright Scholar (Hubert Humphrey Fellow) in Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States, and a Distinguished Hubert Humphrey Fellow. An alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education, United States and King’s College London. A fellow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), United states and a Fellow the Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists (FNACP).

He holds a PhD in Psychology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and 3 Master’s degrees: MSc. Addiction Studies from VCU; M.Ed. Psychology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Masters in Human Resource Management from the National Open University of Nigeria. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Management from the University of Lagos among other academic and professional qualifications. He has attended over 70 local and international seminars and conferences on drug demand reduction and presented papers in over 40 conferences.

He is a certified addiction professional (ICAP 11), author of many books in drug abuse prevention, management and policy. He has many academic publications to his credit.
Dr. Agwogie has over 28 years of experience in drug control, part of which was with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the lead agency for drug control in Nigeria, where he served in different capacities particularly in drug demand reduction before retiring into private practice. He is presently a member of the NDLEA Special Purpose Committee (SPC), experts’ advisory body to the Agency on drug demand reduction.

Yemi Williams Gimba

Gimba Yemi Williams is the Assistant Chief Standards Officer at the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), based in Apapa, Lagos. With over a decade of experience, he has made significant contributions to standardization, food safety, and quality assurance in Nigeria. Gimba holds an M.Sc. in Food Microbiology from Bayero University Kano and a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Nasarawa State University. He is certified in ISO management systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, among others.

Throughout his career, Gimba has taken on critical roles such as Head of Operations for SON’s Food Unit and Client Manager for SON Management System Certification. He has actively represented Nigeria in Codex Committees on Food Standards and led teams on technical regulations, including the development of national standards for tobacco, food safety, and agricultural products.

Gimba is also an accomplished researcher, with published works in reputable journals such as Elsevier ScienceDirect and Bioscience, Biotechnology Research Asia. Passionate about capacity building, he has facilitated and attended numerous workshops on food safety, risk analysis, and standardization across Nigeria.

Dedicated to professional growth, Gimba combines strong analytical and communication skills with a drive for excellence, making him a vital player in Nigeria’s efforts to improve quality and safety standards across industries. In his free time, he enjoys football, swimming, and exploring new research opportunities.

Wamala Twaibu

Mr. Wamala Twaibu is a health and human rights advocate, researcher, and analyst in Uganda, Africa, and around the world. He has a Bachelor of Development Studies and a Master of Refugee and Migration Studies. He has had training in harm reduction programming, human rights, project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

He holds several leadership positions, including the chairperson and founder of the Eastern Africa Harm Reduction Network, Executive Director of the Uganda Harm Reduction Network (UHRN), Committee member of the National Technical Team for Key Populations representing drug users hosted by the Ministry of Health in Uganda, member of the national Medically Assisted Therapy Task Force hosted by the Ministry of Health in Uganda and People Who Use Drugs representative on the African Key Population expert working group hosted by the UNDP African Regional Office

Bonny Tunya

Bonney Tunya is a multi-platform communicator and leader, a professional storyteller privileged to be on the front row of events as they happen on the African continent through his work as a pan-Africanjournalist. He is the recent co-production Editor at BBC where he looked after editorial partnerships between BBC and local partner stations, leading a team that works on changing the face of news among young audiences.

He has a wealth of experience moderating high-level financial and economic debates like the World Economic Forum, Bill & MelindaGates Foundation, Forbes Person of the Year, AfrExim bank AGM as well as presenting real-time African financial news, providing actionable market information, insightful and solution- seeking interviews and well-researched features across the African continent.

Bonney is a masterful Moderator and MC having hosted hundreds of events in stages across the globe over a decade and a half, leading conversations on policy, technology, trade, education, politics and art.Bonney was at CNBC-Africa where he served as the lead pan-African news anchor. He has also worked at the Kenya Television Network (KTN) hosting two daily television news shows.

He has been a contributor to the Forbes Africa magazine. He studied Journalism at the United States International University (USIU) Kenya and is an alumnus of the Reuters News Foundation, The Global Short Film Project and the African Media Initiative.

Ike Muonso

Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso is a natural resource economist and the current Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

Prof. Ike-Muonso is a dedicated advocate for public health with a deep commitment to Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) policy dimensions. His efforts, grounded on the nexus of market economics and public policy, aim to advance evidence-based regulatory frameworks that balance the need to protect public health and the economic realities of harm-reduction product markets. Through his advocacy, he emphasizes the transformative potential of THR to significantly reduce smoking-related mortality, mitigate healthcare costs, and drive healthier societal outcomes. Prof. Ike-Muonso’s work draws from global successes, such as Sweden’s model, to inspire locally tailored solutions that align economic sustainability with public health priorities.

Prof. Ike-Muonso’s academic credentials include a PhD in Economics and a Doctor of Business Administration, alongside numerous publications that contribute significantly to his field.

Linus Gitahi

Linus W. Gitahi is the retired group CEO of Nation Media Group, the biggest media firm in East and Central Africa. He served in the same position from  2006 and 2015. He is now a special advisor to the group. NMG publishes the Daily  Nation, the most respected newspaper in the region and a number of leading television and FM radio brands.

He joined NMG after a long career as a senior executive with pharmaceutical giant  GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in East and West Africa and Europe. Linus is chairman of the Federation of Kenya Employers, chairman of Sol Pajte  Institute of Media at Rhodes University, chairman of Afrika Investment Bank, a  board member of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) and International Press  Institute (IPI), United States International University, Media Council of Kenya, Fellow of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIMO, and a holder of the Moran of the  Burning Spear from the Government of Kenya. He is a Fellow of the inaugural class of the African Leadership Initiative-East Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

His position as a business leader in some of the most respected companies in East and West Africa has given him a unique perspective in not only understanding of the emerging economic and political landscape.  Mr Gitahi holds a Master of Business Administration degree from The United  States International University (USIU) and Bachelors of Commerce (Accounting option) degree from the University of Nairobi. He also holds a Diploma in Management  from the Kenya Institute of Management

Samuel Mukandi

Samuel Mukandi is a harm reduction consumer advocate who has steered a national movement for adult access to safer nicotine alternatives. He is the director of THR DR. Congo, the only harm reduction-focused consumer nonprofit in the country. He is also a board member of Campaign for Safer Alternatives, an umbrella body of over 14 national groups. Mr. Mukandi’s core objective is to agitate for a conducive environment for low-risk nicotine alternatives and ultimately a progression of the Democratic Republic of Congo region towards a smoke-free future.

He is currently undertaking a Master’s degree course in health education at the University of Lubumbashi.

Dr Mohammed El

Dr. Mohamed S. Eltaweel is a highly accomplished Consultant Psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse management. He is the founder and director of multiple psychiatric centers, including Hodaa Psychiatric Centre, Nahar Psychiatric Centre, and Serenity Girls Psychiatric Centre, which focuses exclusively on female patients.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Dr. Eltaweel has spearheaded nationwide programs to reduce the stigma surrounding psychiatric disorders and substance abuse. Through collaborations such as the “Sabaya El Kheir” TV program, he has helped document patient journeys and raise public awareness.

Dr. Eltaweel also founded the “Mind” company, an ambitious project to build Africa’s largest neurological care center, combining state-of-the-art facilities for psychiatric, substance abuse, and neurological disorder management. His innovative work continues to transform mental health care in Egypt and beyond.

Dr. Tendai Mhizha

Dr. Tendai Mhizha brings 25 years of leadership experience and knowledge of pan-African strategy, general management, marketing, branding and market research. As a true explorer of the world, she has degrees – including a PhD in Business Science from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management – from six countries. Dr Mhizha is an author, public speaker and lecturer in Strategy, Brand Engagement and Leadership Coaching.
She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Studies. She is the author of the only sub- Saharan African Living Standard Measure (LSM) tool currently used globally. She has worked for the Edgars Group, Wella and WPP Plc. She has also led a 25-year-old pan-African market research agency, Research Bureau International.

She is the Founder and Chief Inspirer of Integra Africa, which offers unique Tribe programmes (Talent Retention and Return) through internal brand engagement and strategic solutions with Africa at heart. She is a knowledge empowerer teaching at Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), University of Pretoria, South Africa.