Building on the strength of its popular Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship programme, Knowledge•Action•Change's brand new foundational course 'Understanding Tobacco Harm Reduction' is a free-to-use educational platform designed to help advocates expand their knowledge base. Joining us today to highlight this key new resource is one of its key authors, Chimwemwe Ngoma of KAC!
Link to the e-course: https://thr.academy/academy/
Transcription:
00:04 - 01:10
[Joanna Junak]
Hello and welcome. I'm Joanna Junak and this is GFN News on GFN.TV. The Understanding Tobacco Harm Reduction course created by Knowledge Action Change is an accessible online training program that introduces participants to the concept of reducing harm related to tobacco use. The program aims to raise awareness and promote safer alternatives in the field of public health and It's a useful source of knowledge for those interested in health policy. Joining us today to give us more details about the course is Chimuemwe Ngoma, one of the authors of the course. Hello Chimuemwe. Could you tell us what the key goals of the Understanding Tobacco Harm Reduction course are?
01:10 - 01:42
[Chimwemwe Ngoma]
The main goal of the course is to introduce people to the concept of tobacco harm reduction. We want to help learners understand what tobacco harm reduction is, why it is important, and how it can help people who are struggling with the habit of smoking. The course also explains the science behind safer negative products, and how it fits into the wider public health efforts, especially in low and middle income countries where smoking is still a big challenge.
01:44 - 01:49
[Joanna Junak]
So who can participate in the course and are there any requirements to register?
01:51 - 02:16
[Chimwemwe Ngoma]
The course is free and open to everyone. You don't need any special background in public health or science. And it's designed for people who are curious about tobacco hand reduction, whether you're a student, a journalist, a scientist, a social worker, or just someone who wants to understand how hand reduction works. You only need access to the internet and an interest in learning.
02:18 - 02:22
[Joanna Junak]
And what topics are covered in the different modules of the course?
02:25 - 03:27
[Chimwemwe Ngoma]
The course is made of six short modules. Each module covers a key area of tobacco harm reduction. Module one looks at the global landscape of tobacco smoking. Module two describes what tobacco harm reduction is. Module number three looks at the different types of sulfur nicotine products that are available globally. Module number four looks at regulation of the sulfur nicotine products. Module number five identifies the stakeholders in the field and further discusses the challenges that face tobacco harm reduction. Finally, module number six explores the myths surrounding tobacco harm reduction. Each module is designed to be simple, clear, and practical. Even if you are completely new to the field or to the topic,
03:27 - 03:52
[Joanna Junak]
you you will definitely be able to follow along and learn something useful knowledge action change is running the tobacco harm reduction scholarship program so is completing the course a requirement for applying to the scholarship or is it optional all right so let me start by saying that while the course is open to everyone
03:52 - 04:15
[Chimwemwe Ngoma]
Even those who are not applying for the scholarship, it's mandatory for scholarship applicants. The course gives everyone a good foundation in top-up or harm reduction before they apply for the scholarship. And the next call for applications will be announced in the coming few months, but people are welcome to take the course in advance to prepare for the applications.
04:17 - 04:20
[Joanna Junak]
Okay, so let me ask, what's your opinion of the course?
04:22 - 05:00
[Chimwemwe Ngoma]
Yeah, I think the course is a great starting point. It makes the science and policy side of topography reduction easier to understand. We've already seen from the feedback that people have given us that, I mean, those who have completed the course, they feel more ready to join data discussions, apply for opportunities, or even start their own initiatives. So yes. It definitely opens doors. It helps you speak the language of tobacco harm reduction and connect with a growing network of communicators and experts in the field.
05:01 - 05:25
[Joanna Junak]
Thank you, Timo Amwa. That's all for today. Tune in next time here on GFN TV or on our podcast. And for your chance to present your research for the GFN Science Lab at this year's Global Forum on Nicotine Conference, please note that the closing date for submissions is approaching. Thanks for watching or listening. See you next time.