Sana Khan
The alarming prevalence of smoking in Pakistan casts a long shadow over both its public health and economic prosperity. With a staggering 24 million active smokers, the nation grapples with several smoking-related illnesses, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, stroke, and tuberculosis. This heavy burden on the healthcare system not only leads to a loss of lives but also inflicts significant economic losses.
Despite efforts to curb smoking, Pakistan has fallen short of achieving its tobacco control targets, with existing approaches appearing outdated and ineffective. However, a ray of hope emerges in the form of tobacco harm reduction (THR), introducing oral nicotine pouches as a viable alternative.
According to a recently published global report titled “Integrating Harm Reduction into Tobacco Control”, THR interventions, including the promotion of nicotine pouches, hold promise in reducing premature deaths caused by smoking. These pouches offer a smoke-free experience for smokers to satisfy their nicotine cravings without the harmful effects of combustion.
The report paints a compelling picture of the potential impact of THR in Pakistan. If the nation embraces nicotine pouches, the current prevalence rate of smoking, which stands at a concerning 34.3%, could plummet to just 8% by 2045 and further decline to 5% by 2060. This translates to a significant reduction in smoking-related deaths, from 163,000 annually to 114,000 by 2045 and 76,000 by 2060. Furthermore, the economic toll of smoking in Pakistan is astonishing, amounting to Rs615.07 billion ($3.85 billion), equivalent to 1.6% of the country’s GDP.
Salman, a former smoker from Lahore, reflects on his experience with nicotine pouches since he switched from smoking. “Adopting to nicotine pouches has been transformative for me, especially considering the toll smoking took on my lungs. I used to struggle with breathing issues and constant heaviness in my chest, all due to smoking. But since making the switch to nicotine pouches, I’ve noticed a remarkable improvement in my respiratory health. I truly believe these new products have the potential to help individuals switch to less harmful products,” Salman shares.
However, the path to a smoke-free future is not without obstacles. Policymakers have been hesitant to embrace tobacco harm reduction products, despite evidence of their efficacy. To address this challenge and minimize smoking rates, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Taxes should be relieved on THR alternatives to support their accessibility and adoption.
Promoting alternatives like nicotine pouches can alleviate the economic burden of smoking in Pakistan by reducing healthcare costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses. By encouraging the adoption of this smoke-free product, policymakers can redirect resources towards other sectors of the economy.
