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

Bangladesh May Remove E-Cigarette Production and Sales Ban in Tobacco Law Amendment
Bangladesh May Remove E-Cigarette Production and Sales Ban in Tobacco Law Amendment
Bangladesh is preparing amendments to its anti-tobacco ordinance that would remove the ban on the production and sale of e-cigarettes and also delete provisions prohibiting the display of tobacco products at points of sale.
Mar.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan moves to fine and confiscate e-cigarettes across supply chain; full ban expected April 1, 2026
Azerbaijan is considering administrative penalties for the use, import, export, production, wholesale and retail sale, and storage for sale of e-cigarettes, including confiscation of products. The proposed amendments were discussed at a parliamentary committee meeting. The draft sets fine ranges for individuals, officials, and legal entities, and introduces a separate fine for vaping in prohibited places and public areas.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
West Virginia Bill Would Direct USD 2.9 Million of Juul Settlement to Youth Tobacco and Vaping Prevention
West Virginia Bill Would Direct USD 2.9 Million of Juul Settlement to Youth Tobacco and Vaping Prevention
A bill completed during West Virginia’s 2026 regular legislative session would make a one-time allocation of USD 2.9 million from the state’s USD 7.9 million settlement with Juul to youth tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
Mar.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Manchester’s Cheetham Hill Hosts 54 Vape Shops Across Two Streets
Manchester’s Cheetham Hill Hosts 54 Vape Shops Across Two Streets
Cheetham Hill in Greater Manchester has become one of the UK’s most concentrated vape retail clusters, with 54 e-cigarette shops operating along two adjacent streets following a police crackdown on counterfeit goods in the area.
Feb.21
China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Patent Points to 3D-Printed Nicotine Oral Products
China Tobacco Jiangsu Industrial Patent Points to 3D-Printed Nicotine Oral Products
Jiangsu China Tobacco Industrial Co., Ltd. has disclosed a patent describing a nicotine oral formulation produced using 3D printing technology. The invention enables a three-stage nicotine release system—rapid onset, sustained delivery and long-term release—through a layered structure with varying porosity. The technology reflects growing experimentation within China Tobacco’s research system around precision nicotine delivery for modern oral products.
Mar.09
Pakistan Senate health panel weighs possible vape ban
Pakistan Senate health panel weighs possible vape ban
Sources say Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Health is deliberating whether to impose a ban on vaping products, after holding a meeting on the health implications of vaping and the rising use of e-cigarettes nationwide.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai