Adopting Harm Reduction Strategies for Tobacco: A Human Right to Health

In this review of "Tobacco harm reduction: a global health agenda," published by Daily Times Pakistan on March 15, 2023, the author discusses the importance of harm reduction in regards to tobacco, which encourages users to switch to nicotine products that are potentially less harmful than combustible tobacco products. Despite the efforts to promote smoke control measures, a large number of people still consume combustible tobacco products. Harm reduction advocates for the complete switching to potentially reduced-risk alternatives such as vapes, heating products, and oral nicotine pouches.

The article also emphasizes that everyone has the right to the highest attainable physical and mental health standards, as stated in the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights. This includes the freedom to choose potentially less risky alternatives to combustible cigarettes or risky orally consumed tobacco products.

Several countries, including Japan, the UK, New Zealand, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Philippines, China, Norway, and Iceland, have added Tobacco Harm Reduction to their national agendas and have seen dramatic results. Japan saw a decrease of 42% in its number of smokers in just five years, while the UK noted a 6.9% decrease in the number of tobacco users. The common element in all cases has been adult smokers being able to access potentially less harmful alternatives.

Overall, adopting a harm reduction strategy can complement the already implemented smoke control measures and has the potential to reap considerable public health benefits. The review provides a practical and logical approach that the world has been grappling with.

Author attribution: "Tobacco harm reduction: a global health agenda," published by Daily Times Pakistan on March 15, 2023.

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