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Tobacco use remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, responsible for more than 8 million deaths annually worldwide. Despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns, over 1.1 billion people still smoke, and the numbers remain stubbornly high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, the healthcare burden caused by smoking-related diseases continues to strain resources, yet millions of smokers find it difficult or impossible to quit.
This model holds significant potential for Nigeria and other Africa countries, as it presents a feasible pathway to achieving a smoke-free society. This experience offers a roadmap that Nigeria can adapt to suit its unique socio-economic and public health landscape. Given our country’s growing population and the prevalence of smoking, adopting a harm reduction strategy like Sweden’s could have a transformative impact.
Beyond the significant public health benefits, adopting a harm reduction approach in Nigeria also makes economic sense. Smoking-related diseases place an immense strain on our already overstretched healthcare system. Lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , and heart disease—diseases which can be associated with smoking—are costly to treat.
As with Sweden, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and other progressive countries that have embraced harm reduction, Nigeria must make these alternatives accessible, acceptable and affordable to adult segments of society, especially to those who have made the choice to smoke. Moreover, public health campaigns need to emphasize the benefits of completely switching to scientifically substantiated, reduced-risk alternatives for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke.
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