Swedish Model Shows Harm Reduction Success: Expert
Fagerstrom noted that nicotine pouches contain pharmaceutical-grade nicotine and have similar harmful constituent levels to approved nicotine replacement therapies.
NAIROBI, Kenya — A leading tobacco harm reduction expert highlighted Sweden's groundbreaking approach to reducing smoking-related harm, presenting evidence that alternative nicotine products can dramatically lower tobacco-related health risks, writes Winston Mwale.
Dr. Karl Fagerstrom told international health experts that nicotine itself is not the primary health threat.
"Most negative health effects are caused when tobacco is burned," he said.
Sweden has become a global model for tobacco harm reduction, with males experiencing the lowest smoking prevalence in the European Union. A 2024 Swedish Public Health Agency survey revealed:
Smoking rates: 4.9%
Snus and nicotine pouch use: 17.8%
Any tobacco use: 16.7%
Any nicotine use: 22.5%
The country's success stems from promoting smokeless alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches.
In 2024, the Swedish government implemented strategic taxation, lowering snus taxes by 20% while increasing cigarette taxes by 10%.
Citing FDA commissioners from April 2024, Fagerstrom emphasized the potential of non-combustible nicotine products: "For currently nicotine-addicted adult smokers, converting to products offering nicotine without combustion-related health risks should be a public health priority."
The expert proposed regulating tobacco and nicotine products similarly to alcohol, with taxation and purchase age restrictions based on product harm levels.
He suggested a risk continuum, positioning low-risk products like nicotine replacement therapy at one end and cigarettes at the other.
Fagerstrom noted that nicotine pouches contain pharmaceutical-grade nicotine and have similar harmful constituent levels to approved nicotine replacement therapies.
The presentation underscores ongoing global discussions about innovative approaches to reducing tobacco-related health risks.