Skip to main content
search

STOCKHOLM, 09 December – MORE than 4.6 million lives could be saved if Indonesia embraces smoke-free alternatives to traditional cigarettes, according to a sensational new report.

Indonesia has one of the highest smoking rates globally and records 300,000 deaths every year from tobacco-related diseases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts this woeful toll will increase even further next year when the smoking rate is forecast to rise to 37.5% of adults.

But a ground-breaking report released today shows that this trend could be dramatically reversed if the country integrated tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies into its public health policy.

Dr. Delon Human, a co-author of the report Saving 4.6 million lives in Indonesia, said: “With over 65% of adult men in Indonesia smoking, and the country’s high smoking-related death toll, it is clear that a new approach is urgently needed.

“Switching to safer nicotine products is significantly more effective than traditional cessation tools, such as nicotine replacement therapy. Our analysis shows that if Indonesia embraced THR strategies, including smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, it has the opportunity to save 4,616,000 lives by 2060, while leading the way in tobacco control reform.”

The report calls for health professionals, especially physicians, to promote THR and counter nicotine misinformation to reduce smoking-related harm.

It also urges the Indonesian government to adopt risk-proportionate regulations for safer alternatives, invest in local research to guide evidence-based policies and strengthen consumer advocacy through independent, science-based groups.

Additionally, engaging religious leaders could help guide communities to quit smoking and support harm reduction efforts, reaching a broader audience across Indonesia.

Dr. Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden, said: “Public health can be radically improved if governments and health professionals work together to communicate the benefits of smoke-free alternatives.

“By providing access to safer nicotine products, investing in research and ensuring consumers are represented in policymaking, Indonesia can set an example for the rest of the world in reducing the harm caused by tobacco use.”

Read more on tobaccoharmreduction.net

Follow us

THR IN PAN AMERICA

Related Posts

Pan American Harm reduction AllianceTobacco Harm ReductionParadigm Shift Needed In Pan America’s Approach to End Smoking
2 June 2023

Paradigm Shift Needed In Pan America’s Approach to End Smoking

World No Tobacco Day serves as an important reminder of the harmful effects of cigarette smoking and the need for…
Tobacco Harm Reduction Seminar in BrazilTobacco Harm ReductionTobacco Harm Reduction Seminar in Brazil
9 June 2023

Tobacco Harm Reduction Seminar in Brazil

The South American Seminar on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), held in São Paulo on 11 May 2023, saw experienced speakers from fields…
Flavours contribute to cessation success | Dr K FarsalinosTobacco Harm ReductionVapingSystematic Review of Vaping Flavours | Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos
14 July 2023

Systematic Review of Vaping Flavours | Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos

Following the South American Seminar on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), held in São Paulo, we were joined by a panel…
Alcohol Harm Reduction

More about

Alcohol Harm Reduction

Drug Harm Reduction

More about

Drug Harm Reduction