Leading health experts applaud Swedish MPs for historic shift to tobacco harm reduction policy

STOCKHOLM, 9 January 2025 – Leading international health experts have praised Swedish MPs for their visionary decision to officially adopt a harm reduction-led approach to the nation’s tobacco and nicotine policy. 

This groundbreaking shift redefines the overarching goal from reducing consumption to reducing harm – a move that cements Sweden’s leadership on the global stage in public health innovation.

Smoke Free Sweden has today shared an open letter with all Swedish MPs, congratulating them on this transformative milestone. The letter commends the Parliament’s evidence-based approach and commitment to saving lives by prioritising the health and well-being of Swedish citizens.

The decision, outlined in the latest national Budget and overwhelmingly endorsed by MPs in December, emphasises the importance of differentiating between the varying risks of tobacco and nicotine products. 

By formally recognising that “cigarettes and smoked tobacco pose a greater health risk than smokeless tobacco and nicotine products, such as snus,” Sweden has integrated science-driven principles into its national policy.

Dr. Delon Human, leader of the Smoke Free Sweden movement, said:

“This remarkable achievement shows the world what can be accomplished when policymakers follow the evidence. Sweden’s adoption of harm reduction as a cornerstone of its tobacco strategy will undoubtedly save lives and inspire other nations to prioritise science and public health over ideology.”

Sweden’s progressive policies have already yielded extraordinary results. Recent government statistics reveal that only 4.5% of Swedish-born individuals over the age of 16 smoke – a figure well below the global benchmark for smoke-free status. For those born outside Sweden, smoking prevalence remains significantly lower compared to their countries of origin, demonstrating the broader public health impact of Sweden’s approach.

The letter from Smoke Free Sweden calls on MPs to ensure harm reduction remains central to all future policymaking. It urges lawmakers to:

Maintain policies that promote safer alternatives to smoking.

Provide factual public health information about harm reduction.

Equip healthcare professionals with guidance to support smokers seeking less harmful alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches.

“Sweden’s leadership is an inspiration to the world,” Dr. Human added. “By empowering individuals with safer choices, the nation is setting a precedent for effective tobacco control that prioritises health and human dignity.”

-ends-

Notes to editors

Contact

Smoke Free Sweden

Jessica Perkins 

info@smokefreesweden.org

www.smokefreesweden.org

About Smoke Free Sweden

Smoke Free Sweden is a movement which encourages other countries to follow the Swedish model when it comes to Tobacco Harm Reduction. Sweden’s smoke free success can be attributed to its open attitude towards regulated alternative nicotine products.

For more information on Sweden’s successful approach to becoming a smoke free nation, please visit www.smokefreesweden.org.