CONTRIBUTION Global alignment on health policy needed to realize smoke-free world

With renewed attention on smoking and vaping regulations around the world, now is the time for action to realize global smoke-free ambitions and ensure cigarettes become a thing of the past.

Achieving this vision requires a global consensus on the most effective approach to creating sustained and lasting changes to consumer behavior – Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).

THR is one of the most discussed topics today, representing a pathway for hundreds of millions of smokers who would not otherwise quit to transition from combustible tobacco products to smokeless alternatives.

Countries that have recognized the opportunity THR presents, and which have adopted supportive policies, have seen striking success in reducing their smoking rates. The U.S., UK and Japan are all currently witnessing their lowest smoking rates on record, while Sweden is on track to declare themselves smoke-free this year – defined as having fewer than 5 percent of daily smokers in the population – 16 years ahead of the 2040 EU target.

These transformations have been driven by widespread THR acceptance from policymakers, regulators, health officials and consumers in these markets; enabling and encouraging smokers to migrate from combustible tobacco products such as cigarettes to vapor, oral nicotine pouches, snus and heated tobacco products.

In order to fully realize the public health potential of THR, regulators around the world should embrace evidence-based science to drive positive public health outcomes. This means implementing a supportive regulatory framework that encourages adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke to switch, while also protecting consumers with stringent safety standards and preventing underage use.

In addition, the global acceptance of THR depends on governments and regulators correcting persistent misperceptions of smokeless products compared to cigarettes.

As the world’s largest vapor company and a leader in smokeless products, BAT is committed to producing innovative products backed by world-class science and industry-leading product safety and quality standards.

Our THR approach is based on the growing body of research and weight of evidence approach that substantiates our belief in the reduced risk profile of these products compared to cigarettes, which have been accepted by many international public health bodies. We publish our science research to increase understanding of THR and raise awareness with stakeholders.

Indeed, the industry developing and producing these products has a critical role to play. But to achieve the conditions required to make a success of THR, an inclusive, open, and honest dialogue with all stakeholders is required. That includes policymakers, regulators, and the healthcare and medical communities.

We have an opportunity to usher in a new smokeless world, grounded in scientific research and a firm commitment to public health. The solutions are available today. All that is required is for the relevant stakeholders to actively work together to prioritize THR and the well-being of millions of people worldwide.

The writer is the director of research and science at BAT.