Implementation of tobacco harm reduction strategies advocated in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Traditional tobacco control measures have reached a plateau, prompting the call for a shift towards more effective and globally accepted ‘tobacco harm reduction’ (THR) strategies. Renowned researcher and policy advisor, Dr. Muhammad Rizwan Junaid, emphasized the urgent need for these strategies to save over 1.2 million lives in Pakistan. 

Speaking at the ‘Break Thru Science’ round table discussion organized by ‘Irada,’ Dr. Rizwan highlighted the potential of THR products in reducing toxic exposures by 80% and decreasing tobacco-related premature deaths by 70%.

Referring to the research study ‘Integrating Harm Reduction Into Tobacco Control’ conducted in London, Dr. Rizwan underscored the importance of providing policymakers and public health experts with estimates of the potential benefits of tobacco harm reduction. The study revealed that countries like Pakistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan could significantly save lives through the widespread adoption of THR strategies.

In particular, the study indicated that Pakistan stands to save 1.2 million lives by incorporating THR strategies into its tobacco control policies. Dr. Rizwan urged the government to recognize the transformative potential of THR products, already utilized by 112 million people worldwide, in addressing this national crisis.

Highlighting advancements in biotechnology, pharmaceutical innovation, and diagnostics over the past two decades, Dr. Rizwan pointed out the development of THR products meeting the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) criteria for protecting public health.

Experts at the round table discussion drew attention to the success of tobacco harm reduction strategies in European countries, where a significant decrease in smoking figures has been observed. The European Union (EU) has set the ambitious goal of becoming smoke-free by 2040, with a primary focus on adopting THR to drive down smoking rates and reduce related mortality and morbidity.

During the discussion, health experts urged the government to incorporate tobacco harm reduction strategies into public health regulatory frameworks. Emphasizing the importance of proportional regulations on nicotine products based on health risks, they stressed the need to make healthier choices easily accessible.

The initiative ‘Irada’ was acknowledged as a platform recognizing the crucial role tobacco harm reduction plays in minimizing the health impact of smoking in Pakistan. As the country faces a critical juncture in tobacco control, the adoption of THR strategies emerges as a pivotal solution to save lives and promote public health.