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

France’s ANSES Report Reframes the Vape Debate: Harm Reduction Confirmed, Regulatory Barriers Rising
France’s ANSES Report Reframes the Vape Debate: Harm Reduction Confirmed, Regulatory Barriers Rising
France’s top health agency has confirmed that vaping is less harmful than smoking — but not risk-free — reshaping the country’s regulatory trajectory. As Paris withdraws a proposed vape tax and debates stricter ingredient, emissions and youth-protection rules, the ANSES report signals not prohibition, but tighter technical oversight. For manufacturers, retailers and EU policymakers, France may be previewing Europe’s next phase of nicotine governance.
Special Report
Feb.23
USITC Issues Final Ruling in 337-TA-1392 Investigation, Imposes Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders
USITC Issues Final Ruling in 337-TA-1392 Investigation, Imposes Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders
USITC issues final ruling on oil vaporizing devices, components violating tariff law, with limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Business Journal Reports: Multiple New E-Cigarette Policies Enter Public Consultation Phase in China, Covering Capacity Control and Credit Management
China Business Journal Reports: Multiple New E-Cigarette Policies Enter Public Consultation Phase in China, Covering Capacity Control and Credit Management
China Business Journal, citing a review of policy documents released by the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration in early 2026, said China’s latest e-cigarette rules target credit-based regulation, capacity controls and national standards revisions.Alan Zhao, co-founder of 2Firsts, said tighter oversight will speed consolidation, curb noncompliance and reduce destructive competition.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine public health groups urge an absolute ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products
Philippine public health groups urge an absolute ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products
Public health groups in the Philippines are urging the government to impose an absolute ban on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other nicotine delivery products, citing health harms and increasing accessibility among youth. The call follows Myanmar’s move to become the eighth ASEAN country to implement a total vape ban and comes as the Philippine Congress deliberates tobacco and vape taxation.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | VOZOL’s New E-Cigarette Appears on Middle East Social Media, Touted at 40,000 Puffs with Dual Mesh Coils and Dual Modes
Product | VOZOL’s New E-Cigarette Appears on Middle East Social Media, Touted at 40,000 Puffs with Dual Mesh Coils and Dual Modes
VOZOL has recently promoted its MAGIC FLEX 40000 e-cigarette on its official Iraq social media account, using mainly Arabic-language posts and listing Baghdad as the account location. The campaign highlights a detachable/separate battery, the ability to switch flavors at will, ECO/POWER dual-mode operation, and a display-based user interface.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australian Government launches new phase of “Give Up For Good” to help people quit smoking and vaping
Australian Government launches new phase of “Give Up For Good” to help people quit smoking and vaping
On January 19, 2026, the Australian Government launched a new phase of the “Give Up For Good” campaign, adding resources and support for Australians looking to quit smoking and vaping.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai