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.

Special Report|FDA Revises Device Name in Glas Vape Authorization; Company Signals Optimism on Menthol, Flavored Pods
Special Report|FDA Revises Device Name in Glas Vape Authorization; Company Signals Optimism on Menthol, Flavored Pods
The FDA updated public records on the PMTA authorization of a Glas vape product, renaming “Glas G Device” to “Glas G² Device” and releasing the order letter detailing scientific review and marketing restrictions. Company disclosures suggest the platform may include age-verification technology. If confirmed, Glas G² could be the first vape with device-level age verification to receive an FDA MGO. Glas executives also said menthol and other flavored pods could gain authorization in the future.
Special Report
Mar.14
Russian Vape Industry Proposes State Monopoly on E-Liquid Production as Alternative to Ban
Russian Vape Industry Proposes State Monopoly on E-Liquid Production as Alternative to Ban
Russian business groups are trying to persuade the authorities to abandon plans to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and related liquids at both the federal and regional levels.
Apr.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Spain’s PSOE files motion to curb vaping and nicotine pouches, restricting sales channels and banning online sales
Spain’s PSOE files motion to curb vaping and nicotine pouches, restricting sales channels and banning online sales
Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE) has registered a non-legislative motion (PNL) in Congress seeking to curb the use of vapes and nicotine pouches by restricting sales to authorised channels and banning sales online and in non-specialist shops. The proposal says the current “lack of control” in commercialisation facilitates tax evasion and breaches existing health and environmental rules.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland Vape Retailers’ Group RVI Calls for Tax Stamps to Strengthen Enforcement of Vape Products Tax
Ireland Vape Retailers’ Group RVI Calls for Tax Stamps to Strengthen Enforcement of Vape Products Tax
Responsible Vaping Ireland (RVI), an Irish vape retailers’ group, has released a policy paper urging Ireland to swiftly introduce Revenue-issued tax stamps on vaping products to strengthen enforcement of the E-Liquid Products Tax (EPT) and to tackle tax evasion and the illicit market. Provisional Department of Finance figures show €1.3 million collected in November and December 2025; at that pace, annualised receipts would be €7.8 million, below the government’s projected €17 million.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine Authorities Seize Illegal Vape Products Worth About PHP 3.6 Million
Philippine Authorities Seize Illegal Vape Products Worth About PHP 3.6 Million
Philippine officials said government agencies seized illegal vape products worth about PHP 3.6 million during a joint enforcement operation in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces on March 12.
Mar.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Turkey’s New Tobacco Bill Draft Would Cover E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products
Turkey’s New Tobacco Bill Draft Would Cover E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products
A Turkey’s draft would impose major limits on the use of tobacco products in public buildings, educational and healthcare institutions, children’s areas, and outdoor events, while setting a 2040 target for a complete ban on the production, sale, and consumption of tobacco products. The draft also broadens the definition of tobacco products to include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and all nicotine-containing systems.
Apr.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai