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

From Tamarind’s AI Shift to Industry Restructuring, The ‘Amazon Moment’ for Nicotine Is Approaching
From Tamarind’s AI Shift to Industry Restructuring, The ‘Amazon Moment’ for Nicotine Is Approaching
Tamarind Intelligence’s decision to appoint a technology-sector executive as chief executive officer signals more than a leadership reshuffle at a specialist data firm. It reflects a broader structural shift across the global nicotine industry, where companies, regulators and intelligence providers are embedding artificial intelligence into core operations.
Special Report
Feb.18
PMI Launches Mass Production of ZYN at $600M Aurora Manufacturing Hub
PMI Launches Mass Production of ZYN at $600M Aurora Manufacturing Hub
Philip Morris International (PMI), through its subsidiary Swedish Match, has started large-scale production at a 600,000-square-foot ZYN nicotine pouch facility in Aurora, Colorado. The $600 million investment makes the site one of three ZYN manufacturing plants in the United States and the company’s second U.S. facility after Owensboro, Kentucky.
PMI
Feb.21
Nebraska weighs child-safety lock requirement for vapes sold in the state
Nebraska weighs child-safety lock requirement for vapes sold in the state
Nebraska lawmakers heard testimony on LB1254, which would require electronic smoking devices sold in the state to include built-in child safety features. Violations would be a Class IV misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500. Supporters argued young children can easily activate unprotected devices by inhaling, risking exposure to nicotine and other toxic chemicals, and said safeguards should mirror child-resistant measures used for medications and other household products.
Feb.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
More than 2,300 units of vape liquid worth over RM75,000 were seized during an integrated operation at premises in Likas near Kota Kinabalu. During Ops Taring Landai E-Cigarette Mega on Feb 10 night, the Marine Police, Sabah Health Department officials and district police detected a shop displaying 92 types of vape pods and, after further searches, found 2,353 units of vape liquid stored on the premises.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI says Colorado ZYN plant build advances as first pouches hit market in 2025
PMI says Colorado ZYN plant build advances as first pouches hit market in 2025
Philip Morris International (PMI) is investing $600 million to build a ZYN nicotine pouch plant in Aurora, Colorado. While the facility is still under construction, PMI said production started in September 2025 and the first pouches made at the site have already gone to market.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Global Forum on Nicotine 2026 to explore why prohibition of safer nicotine products risks, and does not protect, public health
Global Forum on Nicotine 2026 to explore why prohibition of safer nicotine products risks, and does not protect, public health
Mar.12