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20 January 2025

Quit Like Sweden celebrates once again Sweden’s groundbreaking approach to tobacco harm reduction, as Swedish policymakers reiterated their clear goal in public health policy: reducing the medical and social harms caused by tobacco and nicotine products rather than solely focusing on reducing usage.

“This is a pivotal moment for public health policy,” said Suely Castro, founder of Quit Like Sweden

“Sweden’s government recognises what public health advocates have long emphasised: not all nicotine products are equally harmful, and differentiating policies based on their scientific risk profiles saves lives.”

The policies outlined in the section on healthcare, medical care, and social welfare of the Budget Bill, which was recently discussed in Parliament, reflect a nuanced understanding of nicotine product risks. By distinguishing between cigarettes, which pose the highest health risks, and smoke-free alternatives like snus, nicotine pouches, and vapes, Sweden is championing harm reduction as a cornerstone of the strategy to end smoking.

“Sweden’s smoking-related cancer rates are already 41% lower than the European Union average, and smoking prevalence has fallen to just 5.3% a feat that no other country has achieved,” said Ms Castro.

“By reiterating this goal, Sweden further cements its position as a leader in progressive and evidence-based public health strategies.”

Sweden’s success demonstrates the impact of making alternatives to smoking accessible, acceptable, and affordable. 

“Sweden’s successful comprehensive approach – which combines smoking cessation and prevention measures with policies that allow people who smoke to choose alternatives instead – is not just a Swedish victory; it’s a gift to the world,” emphasized Ms Castro. 

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