According to presseportal on February 6th, the World Vapers' Alliance (WVA) called on the German government to change its tobacco policy in response to the country's high smoking rates. WVA noted that Germany currently has a smoking rate close to 30%, which is one of the highest in European countries, while Sweden's smoking rate is only 5%.
According to the German Respiratory Disease Research Association (DEBRA), approximately 500,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with cancer each year, with smoking being considered a major contributing factor. The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) stated in 2019 that traditional cigarettes pose significant health risks, while alternative products such as e-cigarettes are less harmful and can aid in smoking cessation.
The World Vapers Alliance (WVA) has pointed out that Germany needs to take more proactive measures to reduce smoking rates, with specific recommendations including:
Recognizing the potential of new alternatives: incorporating products such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and HNB into tobacco prevention programs as low-risk alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
Enhanced smoking cessation support: Drawing inspiration from the UK’s "Swap to Stop" program, provide e-cigarettes and other alternatives to heavy smokers.
Implementing scientific findings: A study by the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) shows that the harm of e-cigarettes is lower than that of traditional cigarettes and they can also help individuals quit smoking.
The head of the German Medical Association, Michael Landl, stated that Germany should learn from Sweden's successful experience and reduce the smoking rate by half within ten years through policy guidance and scientific methods. He emphasized that the German government should stop discussing proposals to ban e-cigarette flavors and instead increase access to alternative products to achieve the goal of smoking control.
Although the World Health Organization's recommendation is aimed at reducing smoking rates, the safety and effectiveness of alternative products such as e-cigarettes are still subject to debate.
Please refer to the original English reference material for accurate information, as the Chinese translation is provided for reference only.
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