Safer Nicotine Alternatives Could Save Over 85,000 Sri Lankan Lives, New Report Reveals
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Colombo – A groundbreaking international health report released today claims that more than 85,000 lives in Sri Lanka could be saved by 2060 if the country integrates safer nicotine alternatives into its national public health strategy.
The report, authored by leading global health experts, highlights the urgent need for Sri Lanka to adopt harm reduction approaches alongside traditional tobacco control measures. It draws a stark contrast between Sri Lanka’s smoking prevalence and countries that have embraced reduced-risk nicotine products.
Currently, 17.7% of adult males in Sri Lanka smoke, compared to just 5.6% in Sweden, where safer nicotine alternatives such as vapes and oral nicotine pouches are widely accessible. According to the report, this difference reflects Sweden’s successful harm reduction model.
“Sri Lanka has a tremendous opportunity to dramatically improve public health outcomes by embracing safer alternatives like vapes and oral nicotine pouches, which are proven to be up to 95% less harmful than combustible cigarettes,” said Dr. Delon Human, President of Health Diplomats and co-author of the report.
The report identifies several regulatory barriers preventing Sri Lankan smokers from accessing safer products:
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Nicotine-containing vapes remain unregulated, while tobacco-containing vapes are banned.
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Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are entirely prohibited.
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No clear regulations exist for oral nicotine pouches, while snus (a type of oral tobacco) is banned.
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Nicotine replacement therapies are available, but awareness and usage are extremely low.
Derek Yach, a co-author and former President of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, emphasized the missed opportunities:
“These policy barriers in Sri Lanka mean that smokers who can’t or won’t quit are left without safer alternatives. The health gains from better access and awareness could be immense.”
The report recommends three key strategies to maximize public health benefits:
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Empowering Health Professionals – Train healthcare providers to deliver accurate information on tobacco harm reduction (THR) and counter widespread misinformation about nicotine.
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Proportionate Regulation – Reform laws to increase access to reduced-risk products while maintaining higher restrictions and taxes on combustible cigarettes.
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Consumer Advocacy – Support independent, science-based consumer groups that advocate for access to safer alternatives.
The Sri Lanka findings are part of a broader global analysis suggesting that implementing THR, improved cessation services, and better lung cancer treatment could save up to 14 million lives worldwide.
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