The World Health Organization’s (WHO) strict tobacco ban approach has yielded limited success in reducing smoking rates globally. Pakistan, facing its own tobacco control challenges, should reassess this strategy and consider integrating Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) methods. Countries like Turkey, Brazil, and India, which implemented outright bans, still struggle with high smoking prevalence. In contrast, nations embracing THR strategies have seen promising results.
Japan’s approach, providing access to THR product information and promoting informed decision-making, has helped adult smokers transition away from smoking. Sweden, with its extensive use of snus and oral nicotine pouches, boasts the lowest smoking prevalence globally at 5.6%.
Pakistan can draw valuable lessons from these countries and consider adopting THR as a transformative strategy. Incorporating THR products like vapes, oral nicotine pouches, and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) may alleviate some adverse effects associated with smoking. However, the WHO must reconsider its stance and endorse harm reduction strategies, including less harmful alternatives, for this approach to be fully effective.
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