Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) has become an increasingly critical area of focus worldwide, with advocacy groups playing an important role in raising awareness and driving policy change. Advocacy groups create a platform for discussion and the exchange of information, aiming to reduce exposure to smoking-related harm.
For instance, the European Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (ETHRA) facilitates dialogue and potential actions to mitigate the impact of smoking across Europe. Similarly, in Pakistan, grassroots advocacy for THR is crucial for reducing the number of smokers.
Medical experts and healthcare professionals’ credibility and expertise lend significant weight to the cause, helping to dispel myths and misinformation about less harmful alternatives. By endorsing THR, these professionals can influence public opinion and policy decision, as highlighted by Professor Michael Russell in 1976.
Several smokers have benefited from THR advocacy efforts in Pakistan. Nadeem Khan, from Sialkot, successfully switched to a THR product after learning about its reduced harm potential through a local advocacy group. He shared, “Prioritizing my well-being has been transformative. Since I made the switch from smoking to oral nicotine pouches, my quality of life has significantly improved.”
To enhance impact, THR advocates should be given a voice in the meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), to share their personal experiences of switching to THR products.
THR advocates have achieved considerable outcomes in other countries, such as challenging government bans on these products in India and Mexico while ensuring regulated access to them in New Zealand and the Philippines. Hence, building relationships with policymakers and presenting evidence-based arguments can influence legislative changes in Pakistan as well.
This article is written by Huzefa Muhammad. He is a freelance writer with a keen interest in Science and Technology.