Sweden Urges WHO to Focus on Smokeless Alternatives

Oct.23.2023
Sweden Urges WHO to Focus on Smokeless Alternatives
Swedish tobacco research institute urges WHO to focus on Sweden's success in reducing smoking-related deaths with smoke-free alternatives.

In recent news, a recent research paper published by the Institute of Tobacco Studies in Sweden (ITS) has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to take note of Sweden's successful large-scale transition to smokeless alternative products in order to reduce global smoking-related deaths.


According to the paper, the best example comes from Sweden, where the male smoking rate is the lowest in the European Union, hence resulting in the lowest tobacco-related mortality rate.


The Swedish Tobacco Research Institute (ITS) recently published a paper highlighting its successful experiences in reducing global smoking-related mortality rates. The paper calls on the World Health Organization (WHO) to shift its focus towards smokeless alternatives. This paper has been published on Qeios and is available for download.


The principal investigator of this study is Dr. Lars M. Ramström, who has previously served as an expert for the World Health Organization and as the Secretary-General of international conferences on smoking and health issues.


According to the paper, "The WHO needs to employ all evidence-based strategies to reduce tobacco-related mortality." The paper also emphasizes that harm reduction is one of the three pillars of tobacco control measures and without it, the measures advocated by the WHO to reduce demand and supply will be ineffective.


In addition, this study also brings to the attention of the World Health Organization the experiences of countries like Sweden, Norway, Japan, and New Zealand. The study emphasizes that in Japan, a significant number of smokers have shifted towards heated tobacco products, resulting in a decline in smoking rates from approximately 20% in 2014 to 13% in 2019.


The paper ultimately urges the World Health Organization to base their tobacco policies on scientific evidence and to follow the example of Sweden.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

BAT France Confirms Full Compliance as France Implements Nicotine Pouch Ban on April 1from April 2026
BAT France Confirms Full Compliance as France Implements Nicotine Pouch Ban on April 1from April 2026
BAT France said that, under the decree of September 5, 2025 that entered into force on April 1, 2026, it has stopped commercialising its nicotine pouch products in France from that date.
Apr.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | 25-second preheat and 2,250mAh battery: Heaven Gifts’ REJO launches new HNB device on Japanese and UK e-commerce platforms
Product | 25-second preheat and 2,250mAh battery: Heaven Gifts’ REJO launches new HNB device on Japanese and UK e-commerce platforms
REJO, Heaven Gifts’ heated tobacco (HNB) brand, has listed the REJO CUBE on its official website. The device features a magnetic modular design with a detachable battery and an OmniHeat™ 360° heating system, and is now available via e-commerce channels in Japan and the UK, priced at 6,980 yen (about $45) in Japan.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Africa health department agrees to exempt smokeless and non-combustible products from tobacco control bill
South Africa health department agrees to exempt smokeless and non-combustible products from tobacco control bill
At a parliamentary committee meeting in South Africa, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the health department has agreed to exempt non-combustible and smokeless products — including chewing tobacco, snus, nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes — from the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. The department is prepared, at this stage, to exempt them from packaging and labelling requirements except for misleading or false claims.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian police seize tobacco and vape products in roadside stop: goods valued at A$784,950
Australian police seize tobacco and vape products in roadside stop: goods valued at A$784,950
Australian police say that during a roadside inspection in southern New South Wales, they seized 293,200 cigarettes, 265kg of hard-pressed tobacco leaf and 2,290 vape products from a van bearing Victorian number plates, with an estimated street value of A$784,950.
Feb.26 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
Special Report | PLONQ Expands in China With New Shenzhen Hub to Accelerate R&D and Partnerships
Special Report | PLONQ Expands in China With New Shenzhen Hub to Accelerate R&D and Partnerships
On March 27, 2026, PLONQ officially opened its upgraded Shenzhen office, reinforcing its long-term commitment to China and marking a new phase of growth. As a leading vape brand in Russia, PLONQ is expanding into new product categories while strengthening R&D, engineering collaboration, and partnerships with Chinese companies. The Shenzhen office will accelerate product development, enhance cooperation with technology and manufacturing partners, and support future growth initiatives.
Apr.01