In December 2024, for the first time, Tashkent hosted a conference organised by Quit Like Sweden – a global platform focused on encouraging countries to adopt the Swedish Experience and become smoke-free. International and local public health and public policy experts discussed how Uzbekistan can significantly and sustainably reduce smoking prevalence.
National and international experts on smoking cessation and harm reduction sounded the alarm over the government’s proposal to outlaw all cigarette alternatives. The move threatens to condemn the country’s 2.5 million smokers to continued smoking, cutting them off from proven tools to quit.
According to a recent Ipsos survey, two-thirds of nicotine pouch users in Uzbekistan rely on them for health reasons, mainly to stop smoking. Worryingly, the majority of users indicate they would switch to more harmful products, such as cigarettes, if these alternatives are no longer available.
Meanwhile, countries like Sweden have embraced harm reduction strategies, making alternatives accessible, acceptable, and affordable. As a result, Sweden’s smoking rate among its Swedish-born population has plummeted to just 4.3%, becoming the first in the world to be declared ‘smoke-free.’ Uzbekistan, by comparison, sits at 10.6%, with over 18,500 tobacco-related deaths annually.
Nearly three-quarters of Uzbek consumers agree that nicotine pouches could help reduce smoking rates in the country. Moreover, two-thirds believe the government should actively support less harmful options, such as nicotine pouches, vaping products, and heated tobacco.
Quit Like Sweden founder Suely Castro stated: “It’s hard to believe that in the 21st century, we’re still seeing 20th-century approaches to tobacco harm reduction. Countries which have adopted proven measures that get smokers off deadly cigarettes onto government approved alternatives like Sweden, New Zealand, the UK are now experiencing positive health outcomes. In Uzbekistan, however, that option will soon be off the table for 2.5 million people.”
Dr. Anders Milton, a Swedish physician who has held prominent positions, including Chair of the World Medical Association, President and CEO of the Swedish Medical Association, said: “Sweden’s success in reducing smoking rates to the lowest in the world didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of embracing science-backed harm reduction strategies and ensuring safer alternatives are accessible and acceptable to smokers. This approach has saved countless lives and drastically reduced smoking-related diseases. Uzbekistan has the chance to follow this proven model and make history in public health, rather than turning its back on progress.”
Media Coverage
“Sweden’s Experience in Combating Smoking: A Model Worth Striving For”, 12 December 2024, Uzbekistan Daily: https://uzdaily.uz/en/swedens-experience-in-combating-smoking-a-model-worth-striving-for/
“Quit Like Sweden holds a presentation on quitting smoking and harm reduction”, 11 December 2024, Uzbekistan National News Agency: https://uza.uz/oz/posts/quit-like-sweden-kompaniyasi-chekishni-tashlash-va-zararni-kamaytirish-borasida-taqdimot-qildi_666443
“Can Uzbekistan Quit Like Sweden?”, 12 December 2024, Kapital: https://kapital.uz/uz/chekishga-qarshi-kurash/
“A lifesaving opportunity for the residents of Uzbekistan”, 12 December 2024, NUZ – News of Uzbekistan: https://nuz.uz/2024/12/12/spasitelnyj-shans-dlya-zhitelej-uzbekistana/
“How Uzbekistan can follow Sweden’s example in the fight against smoking”, 12 December 2024, Repost.Uz: https://repost.uz/poborimsya-s-kureniem?fbclid=IwY2xjawHM9zRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbNkygavKmvuKG_3xOu2MXunD-pbOHccM92WUUqV6AQM-Hhp6ZJ_T5FozA_aem_MMIcB7QUVnTiXIFIDkyitw
“Can Uzbekistan quit smoking like Sweden?”, 12 December 2024, Aniq.Uz: https://aniq.uz/yangiliklar/uzbekiston-shvesiya-kabi-chekishni-tashlay-oladimi
“A healthy life without tobacco”, 12 December 2024, Yuz.uz: https://yuz.uz/ru/news/zdorovaya-jizn-bez-tabaka
