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 concerted efforts to reduce tobacco consumption, which can be seen in Pan America’s Approach to End Smoking. The commemoration provides an opportunity to encourage governments and policymakers to implement evidence-based measures and comprehensive cessation support to reduce tobacco use and protect public health.

For more than 30 years, the campaign has helped to draw global attention to the dangers of tobacco use.

It will once again ignite the spark in many smokers to abandon the deadly grip of cigarettes that lead to various health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Without question, any life saved as a result should be celebrated.

Regrettably, about 70% of those trying to quit this week will find themselves trapped by the addictive chains of cigarettes by WNTD 2024. Giving up ‘cold turkey’ is unimaginably difficult. Therefore, the World No Tobacco Day campaign must offer realistic and achievable routes away from cigarettes. The good news is that these routes do exist.

Pan America’s complex tobacco use landscape warrants a paradigm shift in how WHO-FCTC embraces tobacco harm reduction approaches. There are about 142 Million smokers in the Americas, with nearly 1 million dying yearly from smoking-related diseases.

Tobacco harm reduction strategies have the potential to positively impact the smoking trajectory in the Americas by offering alternative approaches to reduce the harm associated with tobacco use. This approach promotes using alternative nicotine delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, as a less harmful alternative to combustible cigarettes.

The W.H.O. risks missing key international objectives for reducing cancer, cardiovascular, and lung disease. The set Sustainable Development Goals require a one-third reduction in death rates from non-communicable diseases. Unless it does something different and embraces innovation in smoking cessation policy in the Americas, the World Health Organization will miss the targets for reducing cancer, heart, and lung disease by a long distance. 

Disruptive technologies, supported by evidence-based research, regulation, and public health policies to ensure their effectiveness and safety, have the potential to play a significant role in reducing smoking rates in North and South America.

Without acknowledging the life-saving potential of alternative nicotine products, World No Tobacco Day risks being a hollow pledge, leaving smokers shackled to their deadly habit. It’s time to face the facts and arm smokers with the best tools to break free.

Click here for more information on Tobacco Harm Reduction.