What is the Role of Flavours in Vaping, and Why is it Important for Harm Reduction?
How misunderstanding and misinformation causes roadblocks for harm reduction When discussing harm-reduction products and nicotine alternatives, many countries around the world have recently been paying more attention to the role of flavours in vaping – for better or for worse. The benefit of this scrutiny lies in the potential for more effective and accepting harm-reduction […]
Sweden Builds on an Already Successful Approach to Tobacco Control
1 November 2024 is the proposed effective date for Sweden’s reduced tax on alternative nicotine products. The 20% decrease in excise tax on snus and 9% increase in taxes on traditional cigarettes was confirmed in April 2024 to widespread commendation by international harm reduction experts. According to the official government announcement, the planned tax changes […]
The WHO Can Save 100 Million Lives Through Balanced Regulation
“The WHO must adapt swiftly to the changing landscape of tobacco use and embrace innovative strategies to protect public health.” – Dr Derek Yach April saw calls for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to embrace cigarette alternatives that could save the lives of 100 million smokers. Dr Derek Yach – global health consultant, head of […]
Healthcare advocates encourage governments and policymakers to emulate Smoke-free Sweden
22 February 2024, Stockholm, Sweden – The World Health Organisation (WHO) recklessly ignored the Swedish success story during its Tenth Conference of the Parties on Tobacco Control (FCTC COP10), prompting public health professionals to demand the organisation implement a Swedish-style approach to fighting smoking. In light of the recent summit in Panama, healthcare researchers from […]
How South Africa can save lives by implementing Tobacco Harm Reduction Policies
Highlighting the potential impact of harm reduction policies on tobacco-related fatalities across four lower and middle-income countries (LMICs), a recent study has revealed compelling findings on the life-saving potential inherent in its suggested approach. The report utilises South Africa as one of the four case studies. It presents crucial insights that could shape the future […]
Securing an Improved Future for Bangladesh Through Adjustments in Tobacco Control
A recent report, centring on the prevention of tobacco-related deaths, showcases Bangladesh as a case study, illustrating the life-saving potential inherent in harm reduction policies. Tobacco use is closely associated with the leading causes of death in Bangladesh, including stroke, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This paired with an 18.6% tobacco smoking rate […]
3 Practices to Prevent 1,200,000 Deaths in Pakistan: Insights from a Recent Report
Pakistan has actively adopted multiple measures suggested by the WHO in its fight against smoking. These measures include placing visible health warnings on products, and imposing limitations on advertisements across national television, radio, and print media. Together with this a further impressive 90% of public areas have been declared smoke-free. However, there is still a […]
The Reality of Tobacco Use in Bhutan
Following Bhutan’s Example? The Reality of Tobacco Use in a Tobacco-Free Nation The 2023 WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic identifies the Kingdom of Bhutan as a country where the adult daily smoking prevalence (2021) is only at 4%. This is one of the lowest – if not the lowest – percentages internationally and, […]