The Swedish example offers a blueprint for success that other nations simply cannot afford to ignore. By providing accessible, acceptable, and affordable alternatives to smoking - such as snus, nicotine pouches, vaping, and heated tobacco - Sweden has done more than just curb smoking; it has revolutionized tobacco harm reduction.
The results speak for themselves. Among Swedes who have benefitted from these policies their entire lives, smoking prevalence has dropped to an astonishing 4.5%. Compare this to the stark reality faced by much of Europe, where smoking rates remain stubbornly high. For example, individuals who emigrated to Sweden from other European countries are three times more likely to smoke if they had not moved, highlighting the dramatic impact of Sweden’s approach.
This achievement isn’t just about statistics; it’s about lives saved. Sweden boasts the lowest rates of smoking-related death and disease in Europe. If other European countries were to replicate this model, an estimated three million lives could be saved. Globally, the potential impact is even more staggering.
Yet, despite this undeniable success, many governments continue to cling to outdated policies that prioritize prohibition over innovation. These governments have a choice: they can either embrace Sweden’s gift to the world or allow millions to needlessly suffer and die from preventable smoking-related illnesses.
“Sweden’s success underscores an essential truth: harm reduction works. I see firsthand the transformative power of giving smokers a realistic path to quit. Abstinence-only approaches are not enough. Smokers need alternatives that fit into their lives and address their habits without the devastating consequences of combustible tobacco” - said Carissa During, Director of Considerate Pouchers Sweden.
On November 14, Considerate Pouchers took to the steps of the Swedish Parliament with a simple yet powerful message: Share Sweden’s gift with the world. We invited policymakers to consider the global potential of Sweden’s approach. In an open letter delivered to political leaders, we urged them to champion harm reduction strategies at home and abroad.
On December 11, we took this same impactful message to the steps of the EU Parliament, building on our advocacy efforts.
By uniting voices across borders, we aim to inspire EU policymakers to adopt harm-reduction strategies that prioritize public health and individual choice.
The Swedish experience is not just a national success but an imperative. By adopting policies that promote safer nicotine alternatives, countries can save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and alleviate the societal burden of smoking-related diseases. The evidence is irrefutable, and the urgency is undeniable.
Critics may argue that the promotion of nicotine alternatives is a concession to addiction, but this perspective misses the point entirely. The goal is not perfection but progress. In Sweden, we’ve seen that embracing harm reduction does not normalize smoking - it eradicates it. Smoking rates have plummeted to historic lows without compromising public health standards. If anything, the Swedish experience proves that harm reduction complements traditional public health measures.
As policymakers gather in global forums to discuss public health challenges, Sweden’s smoke-free milestone should be at the forefront of their agenda. This is a moment for leadership and courage - a chance to break free from the inertia of failed policies and embrace a proven solution.
Sweden’s smoke-free success is a gift and a responsibility. It is a call to action for governments, health organizations, and advocacy groups worldwide. Together, we can make smoking history - not just in Sweden but everywhere.
The question is not whether the world can afford to follow Sweden’s example; the question is whether it can afford not to.
Mariam Gogolishvili
Mariam Gogolishvili is a Director at Considerate Pouchers.
She is an experienced grassroots campaigner, having worked with several NGOs, activist groups, and civil movements across Europe.
As a former smoker and current vaper, Mariam has always been passionate about harm reduction policies and regulatory trends in healthcare systems.
She was an organizer of #DoNotArrest movement which has been launched against repressive drug policy and catalyzed decriminalization of cannabis in Georgia.
