Sweden becomes the first smoke-free country in the world. Experts reveal the key to success
2024-11-19 10:25:14
TiranaPost
According to the latest government data, Sweden has entered history as the first country in the world to be officially declared "smoke-free", reports Smoke Free Sweden. The Swedes reached this goal 16 years ahead of the European Union's target, while most other member states remain far from this goal.
Official data, published by the Swedish public health agency, shows that only 4.5% of people over the age of 16 born in Sweden smoke – a percentage significantly lower than the globally recognized threshold of 5% that marks "smoke-free" status ".
The Swedes' success is the result of a "pioneering" approach to harm reduction policies. Dr. Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden, says that this is a remarkable achievement.
"This remarkable achievement marks an important moment in global public health and demonstrates the progressive policies that have guided Sweden's approach to tobacco control. In the early 1960s, almost half of Swedish men smoked. By embracing and encouraging the use of alternative nicotine products, such as snus, oral nicotine pouches, heated products, etc. Sweden has opened a new path towards a smoke-free society by protecting public health," he said.
New statistics show that 5.3% of all adults in Sweden, including immigrants, currently smoke. The data also reveals that people born in other European countries would be on average three times more likely to smoke if they had not immigrated to Sweden, according to the report.
Dr. Anders Milton, a physician and former president of the Swedish Medical Association, points out that the key to Sweden's success is their welcoming approach.
"The key to Sweden's success is the realistic approach to harm reduction rather than prohibition. A wide range of reduced-risk alternatives are legally available both online and in stores, supported by advertising that raises awareness. The Swedish government also applies a proportional tax, making smokeless products more affordable compared to cigarettes. This taxation policy, combined with public education campaigns, has helped Swedish consumers make better choices and has contributed to the reduction of tobacco harm in the country," he says.
Sweden's strategy brings significant benefits, as the country has the lowest rate of smoking-related diseases in the EU and a 41% lower cancer rate compared to other European countries, the report said.
What is Smoke Free Sweden?
Smoke Free Sweden is a campaign that encourages other countries to follow the Swedish model for Tobacco Harm Reduction. Sweden's success in becoming a smoke-free country is the result of its accepting, realistic and practical approach to alternative nicotine products.
