Strengthening local capacity

Sustainable THR implementation depends on strong local capacity—the ability of countries to generate evidence, regulate products effectively, and equip health professionals with the knowledge to guide people who smoke toward safer alternatives. Many LMICs still rely heavily on external experts or imported evidence, which can limit autonomy and slow decision-making. Building domestic capacity ensures that countries can design policies that reflect local realities, respond quickly to emerging issues, and engage confidently in global health debates.

Priority actions for strengthening capacity include investing in local research institutions to study smoking patterns, switching behaviours, and health outcomes associated with safer nicotine products. Establishing laboratory capabilities for product testing and compliance monitoring is essential for ensuring safety and maintaining public trust. Equally important is training regulators, clinicians, and community health workers in harm reduction principles so that they are equipped to provide accurate guidance and deliver THR services. Academic–government partnerships, regional training hubs, and collaborations with civil society can play key roles in developing this expertise.

Strengthening local capacity also enhances credibility. When policies are supported by locally generated evidence and implemented by trained professionals who understand community contexts, they are more likely to gain political support, public acceptance, and long-term sustainability. By investing in research, regulation, and workforce development, LMICs can build a strong foundation for THR that reduces reliance on external guidance and empowers countries to shape their own public health futures.