Potential of E-Cigarettes to Improve Public Health: Expert Opinion

Sep.19.2022
Potential of E-Cigarettes to Improve Public Health: Expert Opinion
Tikki Pangestu believes e-cigarettes have potential to improve public health, citing data from independent UK studies.

Tikki Pangestu, a former director of policy research and cooperation at the World Health Organization, discussed the potential of e-cigarettes to improve public health. Professor Pangestu made a positive statement during an online discussion titled "Reducing Smoking Harm: Is it Possible to Reduce Tobacco Harm?


Professor Tikki Pang is currently a visiting professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore. Prior to serving as Director of the World Health Organization, he was a professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and a biomedical professor at the University of Malaya.


In his academic career spanning 30 years, Professor Peng has published over 250 scientific articles and 12 books covering topics such as epidemiology, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, prevention of infectious diseases, biosafety, and dual-use research. He is recognized as an expert in public health both domestically and internationally.


According to Tikki Pang, there are still nearly 70 million smokers in his country, which has resulted in economic costs for the nation and significant socioeconomic burden for individuals.


He said, "From a public health and socio-economic perspective, this issue requires a strategic intervention and policy to reduce smoking rates in Indonesia.


Compared to products such as nicotine replacement therapy, interventions using products that promote harm reduction concepts are more effective for those who wish to quit smoking. This is a key strategy in addressing this highly complex issue. The products that result from technological advances and innovation have enormous potential.


Professor Peng cites facts and data from independent research in the UK to urge Indonesian lawmakers to accept electronic cigarettes, snus, and heated tobacco products.


The road to a healthier nation depends on the government ensuring that adult smokers have easy access to lesser harmful new nicotine products and that the information provided is accurate and truthful.


British cancer expert Peter Harper agrees with this. He commented, "You smoke to satisfy your need for nicotine, but you die from smoking. Quitting smoking immediately is one solution. However, current strategies are not effective. Innovative products provide solutions for those struggling to quit, while reducing the overall impact on well-being.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended solely for communication and learning within the industry.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content. The translation of this article is only intended for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in our translation abilities, the translated article may not perfectly reflect the original text. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS holds the same views and positions as the Chinese government regarding any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related statements and stances.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

CNIPA Targets E-Cigarettes as Key Focus in Crackdown on Trademark Violations
CNIPA Targets E-Cigarettes as Key Focus in Crackdown on Trademark Violations
National Intellectual Property Office issued a notice to strengthen management of illegal use of trademarks, promoting fair competition.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Poland Plans Total Prohibition of Single-Use Vapes to Protect Youth
Poland Plans Total Prohibition of Single-Use Vapes to Protect Youth
Poland’s Ministry of Health has proposed legislation to ban all disposable e-cigarettes — both with and without nicotine — under a new amendment to tobacco product laws. The government aims to protect youth from nicotine addiction while reducing public health and environmental harm. Medical professionals largely support the move but call for balanced harm-reduction strategies.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Over 1,900 e-cigarettes seized in Johor; Malaysia to enforce nationwide ban from 2016
Over 1,900 e-cigarettes seized in Johor; Malaysia to enforce nationwide ban from 2016
Over 1900 e-cigarette products seized in Johor shopping center; state-wide ban enforced since 2016; 10 illegal traders issued notices; national ban planned by 2026.
Oct.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Maldives Implements World's First Generational Prohibition on Tobacco, Banning Sales and Smoking for Those Born After 2007
Maldives Implements World's First Generational Prohibition on Tobacco, Banning Sales and Smoking for Those Born After 2007
The Maldives has implemented a generational tobacco ban, effective November 1, 2025, making it the only country to permanently prohibit anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 from buying or using tobacco. Initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu, the policy aims to create a tobacco-free generation and includes a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, with fines up to 50,000 rufiyaa (US$3,200) for violations.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vape Company Takes FDA to Court for Stalling Premarket Decision for Half a Decade
Vape Company Takes FDA to Court for Stalling Premarket Decision for Half a Decade
California-based vape manufacturer Schwartz E-Liquid (USA Vape Lab) has sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in federal court, alleging the agency unlawfully failed to issue a decision on its premarket application for flavored e-cigarette products for more than five years. The company is seeking a court order compelling the FDA to act within 90 days.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bloomberg-Backed Campaign Wins as Denver Votes to Ban Flavored Nicotine
Bloomberg-Backed Campaign Wins as Denver Votes to Ban Flavored Nicotine
Denver voters have upheld the city’s ban on flavored nicotine products—including fruity vapes and menthol cigarettes—with 72% in favor during the Nov. 4 election. The “Yes on 310” campaign, backed by $5 million from Michael Bloomberg, celebrated the result as a major victory for youth health. Opponents, mostly local vape shop owners, warned of economic harm and called the spending imbalance unfair.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai