…Says consumer-friendly harm reduction approach works better

 By Juliet Umeh 

As the world continues to grapple with the devastating health impacts of smoking, a Biomedical Scientist and a healthcare technology researcher, Gabriel Oke has said that countries like Nigeria must consider Sweden’s approach to tobacco harm reduction. 

He stated that Sweden’s smoking rate has declined by 55 percent in the last decade, resulting in the country having the lowest smoking rates in the world. This decline is closely linked to significant reductions in cancer incidence and deaths.

Oke, who is the Founder of THR Journo Project, explained that Sweden’s model has revolutionized the fight against smoking, and there are invaluable lessons to be learned.

He recalled: ‘Recent research highlights the effectiveness of various alternative products. Among respondents, 60 percent perceive Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) as the most effective alternative product, while 26.7% consider e-cigarettes to be the most effective. 

“Furthermore, 73.3% believe NRT is safer than smoking tobacco, and 48.3% hold the same belief for e-cigarettes. Additionally, 70.8% agree that alternative products aid in smoking cessation. 

“However, there remains a notable lack of awareness regarding the addictive nature and cessation efficacy of alternative products among respondents.

‘An unpublished study conducted among medical students in Rwanda underscores a growing awareness of tobacco harm reduction concepts. 

“While 58% of respondents were familiar with these concepts, only a minority identified nicotine vapes as a cessation tool and a mere 27% recognized vaping as less harmful than smoking. 

“This highlights the need for enhanced education and support for smoking cessation initiatives among healthcare professionals.

“Sweden stands out as a beacon of success in the fight against tobacco use, with smoking rates plummeting by an impressive 55% over the past decade. “This achievement not only signifies a decline in smoking prevalence but also correlates with significant reductions in associated health risks, including a remarkable 41% lower cancer incidence and a 38% reduction in total cancer deaths compared to the rest of Europe. 

“However, Nigeria continues to grapple with the devastating toll of smoking-related diseases, with nearly 30,000 lives lost in 2022 alone.”

He noted: “According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, approximately 4.5 million Nigerians, constituting 4.1 percent of the adult population, are current smokers, posing a formidable public health challenge. 

“The urgency to prioritize Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) strategies cannot be overstated, especially in light of the invaluable lessons to be learned from Sweden’s successful model.

“Nigeria must emulate this progressive approach by launching public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and targeted messaging to destigmatize reduced-risk alternatives to smoking. 

“By aligning with Sweden’s innovative stance and ensuring the accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of harm reduction tools, Nigeria can pave the way towards improved public health outcomes and a future free from the burdens of tobacco-related diseases.

“Sweden’s smoking rate has declined by 55% in the last decade, resulting in the country having the lowest smoking rates in the world. This decline is closely linked to significant reductions in cancer incidence and deaths. 

“Notably, Sweden boasts a 41% lower cancer incidence and a 38% reduction in total cancer deaths compared to the rest of Europe. 

“Sweden’s success story revolves around the availability of a wide range of harm-reduction nicotine products such as Snus, nicotine pouches, and vaping. These alternatives have proven effective in helping smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes, thereby reducing their exposure to harmful toxins,” he said.

The Biomedical scientist stated that the Swedish model provides a blueprint for other nations, particularly Nigeria, to reduce smoking rates and improve public health.

He explained that the key to this model are the principles of accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of harm-reduction products.

Oke highlighted: ‘Accessibility ensures that reduced-risk nicotine products are readily available to smokers. This involves not only the physical availability of products but also the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers that may hinder access.

“On acceptability, public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are essential to change perceptions and reduce the stigma associated with using harm-reduction products. 

“While, affordability means that the pricing of nicotine products should reflect their risk level, with safer alternatives being more affordable than traditional cigarettes.”

He believes that embracing Sweden’s pioneering model is not just an option but a necessity.