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

Illegal Trade in Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Continues to Rise in Germany, BVTE and BDZ Call for Enforceable Regulation
Illegal Trade in Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Continues to Rise in Germany, BVTE and BDZ Call for Enforceable Regulation
BVTE and BDZ said at a joint press conference in Berlin on March 10 that illegal trade in tobacco products, e-cigarettes and other nicotine products continues to grow in Germany, posing challenges to the rule of law, youth protection, consumer protection and state fiscal authority. The groups said there is still no reliable overall statistic for the illegal trade in tobacco products, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and oral nicotine products.
Mar.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Syria announces comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes covering production, trade, sale and use
Syria announces comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes covering production, trade, sale and use
Syria Damascus health authorities announced a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, prohibiting their production, circulation, sale and use, citing health risks and the need to protect public health, particularly among children and young people.
Mar.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bonnie Herzog:U.S. nicotine market seen at about $67B in revenue by 2035 as smoke-free expands
Bonnie Herzog:U.S. nicotine market seen at about $67B in revenue by 2035 as smoke-free expands
Goldman Sachs Managing Director Bonnie Herzog said the U.S. nicotine market is attractive and growing, with total revenue projected to reach about $67 billion by 2035. She expects cigarettes to account for a smaller share of revenue (47%) as smoke-free revenue expands and becomes a key driver of industry profit growth. Herzog said smoke-free products represent about 48% of U.S. nicotine volumes today and could rise to roughly 75% by 2035.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia maritime officers seize nearly 16,500 vapes in suspected cross-border smuggling bid
Malaysia maritime officers seize nearly 16,500 vapes in suspected cross-border smuggling bid
According to Malay Mail and Bernama, Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency intercepted a suspicious lorry at a jetty in Kedah’s Kuala Sanglang and seized nearly 16,500 vape devices worth more than RM500,000 (about US$125,000). Three men were detained for investigation, and the case is being probed under Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
FDA Authorizes Glas Vape but Flavor Hopes Fall Short
FDA Authorizes Glas Vape but Flavor Hopes Fall Short
The FDA has added Glas products to its authorized electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) list, granting Marketing Granted Orders (MGOs) to the Glas G DEVICE and a BLONDE TOBACCO pod. The decision expands the number of FDA-authorized ENDS products to 41, marking the first new authorization since Juul’s approvals in July 2025. However, widely anticipated non-tobacco flavored products were not approved.
Mar.13
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