Experts: Ignoring THR a ‘Death Sentence’ for Smokers

International health experts have warned that governments of the world are condemning millions to die if they continue to ignore the benefits of tobacco harm reduction (THR) policies.

In an open letter to delegates at the United Nations General Assembly, Delon Human of Smoke Free Sweden, along with other leading THR specialists, call for THR to be incorporated into standard tobacco control measures worldwide.

By doing so, millions of lives could be saved from smoking-related diseases, the letter states.

The experts’ letter points to real-world evidence, particularly from Sweden, which proves the success of THR policies. Through the promotion of safer alternatives like snus, nicotine pouches and vapes, Sweden has reduced its smoking rates by 55 percent over the past decade, resulting in a staggering 44 percent fewer tobacco-related deaths compared to the rest of the European Union.

“Sweden’s achievement underscores the effectiveness of harm reduction policies in not only saving lives but also reducing the strain on healthcare systems,” Human said. “Their success serves as a blueprint for other nations.”

The letter also highlights New Zealand’s progress, where the Ministry of Health endorsed vaping as a cessation tool in 2019. Since then, New Zealand’s smoking rates have nearly halved, positioning the country as another example of how THR can drive down smoking-related deaths and diseases.

While countries like Sweden and New Zealand lead the way, many other nations continue to struggle with high smoking rates while rejecting harm reduction. Countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa could witness similarly dramatic reductions in smoking-related mortality by adopting THR policies.

A recent study cited in the letter estimates that Czechia alone could save 280,000 lives over the next four decades if it adopts THR strategies. Further studies report similar potential benefits in other nations including Brazil, Bangladesh, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

“This is not about promoting nicotine use,” Human said. “It’s about offering safer choices to individuals who would otherwise continue smoking harmful cigarettes. We are on the cusp of a public health revolution, and THR has the potential to be a game-changer in saving millions of lives.”

The letter, also signed by Derek Yach and Marewa Glover, calls on global leaders and the United Nations to prioritize THR as a crucial element of tobacco control, urging governments to act swiftly and decisively. “The evidence is clear,” the letter concludes. The time to act is now.”