Buhle Binta, Head of Scientific Engagement for Southern Africa at Philip Morris International (PMI), is a tobacco harm reduction champion, spearheading efforts to empower women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while pioneering a smoke-free future. At the vanguard of communicating the science behind PMI’s smoke-free products, Binta’s mission is to raise awareness and understanding of how these alternatives can mitigate the harms caused by smoking tobacco and contribute to improved public health.
PMI, once synonymous with traditional tobacco products, is now at the forefront of tobacco harm reduction (THR), building its future on smoke-free products. While not entirely risk-free, these products represent a significant improvement over conventional cigarettes. The company’s commitment is evident in its substantial investment of over US$12.5 billion in research and development of groundbreaking smoke-free alternatives.
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Binta, who joined PMI’s External Affairs unit, brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for science to her role. She wholeheartedly supports PMI’s comprehensive approach: discouraging non-smokers from starting, encouraging current smokers to quit entirely, and offering smoke-free alternatives to those who choose to continue smoking. This strategy, Binta believes, underscores the company’s genuine commitment to phasing out cigarettes.
A Scientific Odyssey Focused on Public Health
Binta’s journey in science is deeply rooted in medical research and a fervent desire to make a tangible difference in public health. “A decade ago, data on tobacco harm reduction was scarce,” she reflects. “Now, science is the cornerstone of our mission.” Under her leadership, PMI has made remarkable progress in scientific research, boasting over 511 peer-reviewed publications since 2008. This body of work represents a growing repository of real-world evidence, paving the way for potential breakthroughs in smoke-free products.
Her professional path began at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she focused on oral microbiology at the school of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Subsequently, Binta joined the National Health Laboratory Service as a medical scientist, conducting microbiological research and spearheading outreach activities to support occupational health services in South Africa. Her career trajectory then led her to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, where she honed her skills in regulatory affairs and stakeholder relations.
Throughout her professional journey, Binta has gained invaluable insights into public health and efforts to reduce the burden of disease in South Africa. However, this path has also illuminated the unique challenges that women in science often face.
Championing Women in STEM
Binta’s personal experiences as a woman in STEM have fueled her passionate advocacy for gender equality in these fields. “Women in STEM often grapple with challenges such as limited work opportunities and a dearth of mentorship,” she observes. Her advocacy focuses on encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers, establishing robust mentorship programs, and creating supportive ecosystems to ensure equal access to opportunities.
While Binta herself is a non-smoker, she firmly believes in offering smokers better alternatives on their journey towards improved health. “Smoke-free products can complement existing measures to discourage cigarette smoking,” she explains, highlighting the potential of these alternatives in a comprehensive approach to public health.
Binta’s vision for the future is crystal clear and threefold: driving positive change in public health, realising a smoke-free future, and empowering women in STEM. Her work at PMI represents a confluence of these aspirations, positioning her at the forefront of a transformative movement in both public health and gender equality in science.
