Mahabuba Afrin : In Bangladesh, we are no strangers to the devastating impact of tobacco-related diseases. But with the intervention of the government, its stern stance on tobacco, and the Prime Minister’s vision of a Tobacco Free Bangladesh by 2040; we have taken significant steps towards curbing smoking and its detrimental effects as a country.

However, the reality is that long-term adult smokers are often unwilling to quit without a viable and less harmful alternative.

In recent years, the way we view smoking and its alternatives has undergone a significant shift worldwide. With close to 6.2 million adult smokers in the country, it is essential to embrace innovative measures and harm reduction alternatives rooted in science, to transform and save lives.

In Bangladesh’s case, perhaps, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s proactive and innovative approach serves as an inspiration. The United Kingdom’s ‘swap to stop’ program, championed by Prime Minister Sunak, has incubated rapid transformation.

The ‘swap to stop’ program in the UK promotes safer alternatives to traditional cigarette smoking, representing a strategic departure from imposing bans and restrictions and instead focusing on empowering adults to make informed choices. The approach is a breath of fresh air in contrast to the restrictive measures that have left smokers with limited options.

As we delve into this groundbreaking initiative, it becomes clear that there are valuable lessons to be gleaned and applied right here in Bangladesh, as we strive towards our vision of a tobacco-free nation.

The approach emphasizes the importance of offering smokers an alternative that satisfies their nicotine cravings while mitigating health risks. By encouraging a transition to safer alternatives through technology, we can potentially reduce the harm caused by traditional smoking in our nation.

This program extends beyond safer alternatives; it is part of a broader public health strategy. The UK’s approach includes informative measures like calorie labeling and the provision of anti-obesity medicines. These elements empower individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices, aligning with our own national health goals.

According to the UK PM; in a world where idealism often precedes pragmatism, the World Health Organization (WHO) sets stringent standards that sometimes seem unattainable. For example, while declaring “no safe amount” of alcohol consumption, it paradoxically labels no- or low-alcohol beverages as “normalizing” drinking.

The WHO’s call for reduced sugar consumption without endorsing sugar substitutes contradicts advice from institutions like the British NHS, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, and Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

While it may be ideal to lead entirely healthy lives free of sugary foods, alcohol, and nicotine, the real world requires the persuasion of billions to opt for healthier choices. Without accessible and less harmful alternatives, many will continue with habits that contribute to non-communicable diseases caused by lifestyle choices, including alcohol, sugary foods, and tobacco.

This dissonance between idealism and pragmatism highlights the need for context-specific strategies.

As we strive for a tobacco-free Bangladesh, we must recognize the challenges we face in persuading our citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles. Without viable and less harmful substitutes, the battle against smoking and other unhealthy habits remains an uphill struggle.

The global consensus is evolving in favor of smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes. Public health institutions and experts worldwide increasingly acknowledge these alternatives as a vital component of reducing tobacco-related deaths and diseases. Bangladesh can undoubtedly benefit from embracing this paradigm shift.

Sweden, with its successful adoption of snus, an oral tobacco alternative, serves as a shining example. The country holds the lowest smoking rate in Europe, down to a mere 5%, demonstrating the potential of harm-reduction alternatives. As we envision a tobacco-free Bangladesh, we can draw inspiration from such success stories.

In an ideal world, no one would ever start smoking. However, the reality is different, and the best should not be the enemy of the good. Vaping, snus, and other smoke-free alternatives offer hope and a way forward for those seeking to quit cigarettes.

In conclusion, Bangladesh stands at a pivotal juncture in its mission to become tobacco-free. By drawing inspiration from the UK’s ‘swap to stop’ program and other global success stories, we can chart a course towards a healthier future for our nation. Together, we can embrace harm reduction and lead our country forward, towards PM Hasina’s tobacco-free vision.

The writer is Doctoral Student, Hiroshima University, Japan.