Tobacco harm reduction framework necessary to achieve PM’s smoke-free vision by 2040
Health experts and policymakers gathered at the Bangladesh THR Summit 2023 on May 27, 2023, to discuss the role of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) in achieving a 'Smoke-free Bangladesh' by 2040. THR is a public health strategy aimed at minimising the health risks associated with conventional tobacco products. The experts emphasised the need to regulate less harmful alternatives of nicotine delivery while imposing stricter restrictions on traditional cigarettes.
Notable public health experts, including Dr Derek Yach, former World Health Organisation (WHO) Cabinet Director, highlighted the importance of harm reduction strategies in tobacco control. Dr Yach stated that harm reduction has always been part of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) but has not been fully implemented. He emphasised that Bangladesh has the opportunity to save lives by integrating harm reduction policies into its economic transformation.
Dr Delon Human, a former secretary general of the World Medical Association, expressed concerns about the current approach to tobacco control, stating that it offers little hope for achieving a smoke-free world by 2040. He stressed the importance of integrating harm reduction policies, science, and regulated products into tobacco control to provide hope for the almost 1.4 billion smokers worldwide, including 20 million in Bangladesh.
Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos, a Greek cardiologist and a leading THR researcher, presented evidence indicating that smoke-free nicotine alternatives, such as vaping products, are at least 95% less harmful than cigarettes. He emphasised that these alternatives are preferred by most smokers for quitting and should be made available in Bangladesh under regulated frameworks.
Dr Kgosi Letlape, former president of the World Medical Association, emphasised the importance of ensuring access to harm reduction tools as basic human rights. He highlighted the role of health professionals in providing accurate health information and risk communication to empower consumers.
The experts believe that Bangladesh, with its resilience and immense potential, can become a global role model by implementing a practical THR framework. They see the vision of a Smoke-Free Bangladesh by 2040 set by the Honourable Prime Minister as achievable through the integration of harm reduction strategies.
In summary, the harm reduction summit in Bangladesh highlighted the urgent need to regulate less harmful nicotine delivery alternatives while imposing stricter restrictions on traditional cigarettes. The experts emphasised the potential of harm reduction strategies in achieving a smoke-free future and saving lives. By integrating harm reduction policies, science, and regulated products, Bangladesh can become a global role model in tobacco control and realise its vision of a Smoke-Free Bangladesh by 2040.