Public health experts in Bangladesh have called on policymakers to follow New Zealand’s success story to implement tobacco harm reduction strategies, tailored to local contexts, to reduce smoking rates and improve public health scenario of the country.
Dr Altamash Mahmood, an adjunct faculty member in the MPH program at Bangladesh Open University, suggested that policymakers should take inspiration from New Zealand's successful tobacco harm reduction strategies.
He said by adapting these strategies to fit local contexts, Bangladesh could effectively lower smoking rates and enhance the country's public health.
The report “Quitting Strong: New Zealand’s Smoking Cessation Success Story” indicates that New Zealand is on the verge of reducing its smoking prevalence to 5% or below by 2025.
It showcases the nation’s dramatic success in cutting smoking rates through an innovative tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategy. By embracing smoke-free nicotine products, New Zealand presents a compelling model for Bangladesh and other countries grappling with high smoking rates.
Smoke Free Sweden, a movement driven by Health Diplomats, a global network of public health experts, carried out the study.
New Zealand adopted the 'Swedish Model' of THR strategies that had cut Sweden's smoking rate to below 5%, positioning itself as Europe's first smoke-free nation.
New Zealand's journey towards reducing smoking rates has been characterised by proactive legislative measures and policy initiatives rooted in harm reduction strategies. The landmark Smoke-Free Environments Act of 1990 established smoke-free public spaces and introduced annual increases in tobacco taxes, setting a robust foundation.
Aligning with global frameworks such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), these efforts have contributed decisively to diminishing smoking prevalence over time.
Central to New Zealand's approach has been addressing historical inequities, particularly among the Māori population, who historically faced disproportionately high smoking rates due to early tobacco introduction and systemic neglect. Targeted interventions, catalyzed by the 2010 Māori Affairs Select Committee inquiry, have yielded substantial reductions in smoking within this community, demonstrating the efficacy of culturally sensitive strategies.
The integration and regulation of vaping marked a pivotal phase in New Zealand's THR strategy. From the establishment of vape retailers in 2009 to comprehensive regulations in 2019, government-supported initiatives like the ‘Vape to Quit’ campaign and the Vaping Regulatory Authority promoted vaping as a safer alternative to smoking.
Public health campaigns emphasised vaping's role for smokers, dispelling misconceptions through widespread media outreach.
Policy shifts also prioritised affordability and accessibility of alternatives, adjusting cigarette taxes to inflation and ensuring stringent regulations for vaping and heated tobacco products. Collaboration among health professionals, scientists, and consumer advocates has been instrumental in advancing evidence-based harm reduction strategies, ensuring equitable health outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Dr Marewa Glover, lead author of the report, remarked, "New Zealand's experience demonstrates that access to safer alternatives drives significant smoking cessation. This success, akin to Sweden’s progress, is a testament to effective government initiatives and community support, rather than ideological opposition to nicotine."
Dr Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden, praised New Zealand's achievements, stating, "New Zealand’s rapid reduction in smoking rates validates our approach. This model works, and it works brilliantly. We celebrate these remarkable results and advocate for similar harm reduction strategies worldwide."
IHR/NMA