ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (EPI): IRADA Pakistan (The Initiative on Risk-Reduction and Dependable Alternatives) has urged Pakistan to take inspiration from Sweden, which has become the first nation in the world to achieve official \u2018smoke-free\u2019 status, according to sensational new data.<\/p>\n
Swedes have hit this historic milestone 16 years ahead of the European Union target\u2014while most of their fellow member states are set to miss it by a significant margin.<\/p>\n
Official health data released by Sweden\u2019s public health agency shows that just 4.5% of the nation\u2019s Swedish-born over-16s smoke – significantly below the globally recognised benchmark of 5% for smoke free status.<\/p>\n
Smoking rates in Pakistan are more than four times higher than Sweden\u2019s.
\nThe Swedes\u2019 extraordinary success is the result of their pioneering policy approach to safer alternatives to cigarettes.<\/p>\n
Dr. Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden, said: \u201cThis remarkable achievement marks a significant moment in global public health and stands as a testament to the progressive policies that have guided Sweden’s approach to tobacco control.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the early 1960s, nearly half of Swedish men smoked. By embracing and encouraging the use of alternative nicotine products such as snus, oral nicotine pouches and vapes, Sweden has paved a clear path to a smoke-free society while safeguarding public health.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey should serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world and as inspirational proof that a pragmatic, enlightened approach can deliver sensational public health gains and save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Anders Milton, a physician and former president and CEO of the Swedish Medical Association, says: \u201cKey to Sweden\u2019s success is its pragmatic focus on harm reduction rather than prohibition. A wide range of safer nicotine products, with a variety of strengths and flavours, is legally available both online and in stores, supported by advertising, which raises awareness and encourages uptake.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Swedish government also applies a proportional excise tax, keeping smoke-free products more affordable than cigarettes. This tax policy, coupled with public education campaigns, has empowered Swedish consumers to make healthier choices and contributed to the country\u2019s leading role in tobacco harm reduction.\u201d<\/p>\n
The benefits of Sweden\u2019s strategy are enormous, with the country having the lowest percentage of tobacco-related diseases in the EU and a 41% lower incidence of cancer than other European countries.<\/p>\n
Dr. Human adds: \u201cWhile Sweden celebrates this historic achievement, many other nations remain far from reaching their smoke free goals. Some countries continue to implement rigid, prohibitionist policies that limit access to safer nicotine alternatives, including oral nicotine products and e-cigarettes. These regressive measures are pushing smokers away from potentially life-saving tools and stalling progress toward reducing tobacco harm.<\/p>\n
\u201cRather than follow Sweden\u2019s lead, these nations are heading in the opposite direction, with smoking prevalence stagnating or even rising. Sweden’s success is living proof that alternative nicotine products are a powerful force for positive change when supported by evidence-based policies.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmoke Free Sweden calls on all nations to re-evaluate their tobacco control strategies and adopt harm reduction as a central pillar in their fight against smoking. Sweden\u2019s smoke free status should be a wake-up call to policymakers around the world: progressive, science-backed policies on nicotine alternatives can make smoking history without sacrificing public health goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ends-Exact Press International-<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"