Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  An event dedicated to the fight against smoking was held in Tashkent, where experts expressed concern about a potential ban on cigarette substitutes in Uzbekistan. They fear that such a ban would leave 2.5 million smokers without the opportunity to switch to less harmful alternatives, which could lead to an increase in smoking-related deaths.

An Ipsos survey showed that two-thirds of nicotine pouch users in Uzbekistan use them to quit smoking and would switch back to cigarettes if alternatives were banned. Unlike Uzbekistan, where 10.6% of the population smokes, Sweden, which implemented a harm reduction strategy, has reduced smoking rates to just 4.3% among the native population, becoming the first smoke-free country.

Sully Castro, founder of "Quit Like Sweden," stated, "It's hard to believe that in the 21st century we are still witnessing tobacco harm reduction methods developed in the 20th century. Countries like Sweden, New Zealand, and the UK, which have adopted proven measures to phase out deadly cigarettes in favor of state-approved alternatives, are showing positive health results. However, in Uzbekistan, 2.5 million people will soon lose this opportunity."

Dr. Anders Milton, a Swedish doctor who has held positions such as President of the World Medical Association and President and CEO of the Swedish Medical Association, commented, "Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates to the lowest in the world was no accident. It is the result of implementing scientifically backed harm reduction strategies and ensuring the accessibility and acceptability of safer alternatives for smokers. This approach has saved countless lives and drastically reduced smoking-related diseases. Uzbekistan can follow this proven model and make history in public health, rather than rejecting progress."