The use of vaping products among the youth in Namibia is rising at an alarming rate, with no regulations on the import and sales of these products.

These products often contain at least 5 grams of nicotine and can be highly addictive, leading to various health risks.

Many young citizens often have access to purchase these products from various outlets, and their usage among the youth has become a norm.

Between 2021 and 2024, the country had recorded imports of tobacco water pipes, vapes and other nicotine-related products valued at about N$1.4 billion.

Most people portray vaping as a less dangerous alternative to traditional tobacco smoking.

However, the public relations officer at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Walters Kamaya, disagrees with the theory, stating that the use of these products can lead to irreversible lung damage.

"When vaping may seem less harmful than smoking, the risks are real and serious, especially for young people. Our message as the Ministry of Health and Social Services to the young people is to protect your future. You don't need vaping to cope or to fit in."

NBC News reached out to the principal of Jan Möhr Secondary School, Lukas Hashiti, who expressed his concern with the rising usage of the product among teenagers.

He says they have witnessed the negative effect this product has on learners.

"This is a very concerning situation. This learner, you see, it's a very addictive product. And if they don't get enough time to puff or do what they do, they get agitated. So this is where the bullying starts, and they become aggressive sometimes."

Some research suggests that it could potentially increase the risk of asthma as well as have a negative impact on mental health.

It also increases the likelihood of transitioning to traditional tobacco products.