Tobacco use continues to be a major public health issue in Pakistan, with over 25.4 million users and a high incidence of smoking-related diseases. Despite various tobacco control initiatives, the smoking rate remains stubbornly high. One potential solution to reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes in Pakistan is to adopt a tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategy similar to Sweden’s successful model.
Sweden has emerged as a global leader in tobacco harm reduction, achieving impressive results through the widespread use of alternative nicotine products such as snus, nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes. This approach has helped Sweden achieve one of the lowest smoking rates globally, with only 5.6% of adults smoking. As a result, Sweden has seen significantly lower rates of tobacco-related diseases, including a 41% reduction in cancer rates compared to the European average.
Sweden’s success can be attributed to several factors, including the legalization and promotion of safer alternatives to smoking, as well as public advocacy campaigns highlighting the benefits of harm reduction products. These efforts led to greater public acceptance and increased use of alternatives to traditional tobacco products. Additionally, the Swedish government has implemented policies that make these products accessible and affordable, further driving their adoption.
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Federico N. Fernández, CEO of We Are Innovation, a global network of think tanks and NGOs, notes that while many European countries have adhered to the World Health Organization’s guidelines for tobacco control, Sweden took a more innovative approach by combining proven tobacco control measures with forward-thinking harm reduction strategies.
The results speak for themselves: since the mid-2000s, Sweden’s smoking rate has plummeted from over 15% to just 5.6% by 2023, the lowest in the European Union. Sweden’s strategy included evidence-based policies such as advertising bans, smoking bans in public places, and tax increases on traditional cigarettes, but many experts argue that Sweden’s most significant innovation was its focus on reducing tobacco harm through alternative nicotine products.
In contrast, Pakistan’s tobacco control efforts have primarily centered on traditional measures such as taxation, advertising restrictions, and public smoking bans. While these measures are essential, they have not been sufficient to make a significant impact on smoking rates.
To achieve better results, Pakistan could benefit from adopting a more comprehensive tobacco harm reduction strategy, similar to Sweden’s approach. This could involve promoting and commercializing safer alternatives to smoking, as well as implementing tax reductions on these products to make them more affordable. Public education campaigns should be launched to inform the public about the benefits of harm reduction products, helping to dispel myths and misconceptions.
By taking inspiration from Sweden’s success, Pakistan can reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes. Legalizing and promoting safer alternatives, combined with public education and supportive policies, can create a healthier future for Pakistan.
