What could the Asia-Pacific Declaration mean for the future of tobacco harm reduction (THR) in the region? Read our full article to explore what the Declaration could mean for consumers and policymakers.

The Western Pacific is shaped by varying cultures, public health priorities and tobacco control approaches. As Member States review the WHO WPRO’s proposed regional tobacco-control action plan, these perspectives can help shape recommendations reflecting the region's realities.

As the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office considers its proposed tobacco-control action plan, one question matters: will restrictions reduce harm, or close off lower-risk alternatives for adults who smoke? Nicotine e-cigarettes can help adults quit smoking, while the role of nicotine pouches in quit attempts warrants further research. Policymakers must also address underage uptake, product safety and the risk of driving demand into illicit markets. Our latest article examines why tobacco-control policies must be judged by their real-world outcomes, not simply by the products they restrict. Read the article:

What comes next for tobacco harm reduction? At the New Approaches Summit, one message stood out: progress will depend on how well policy, science and innovation move forward together. Explore the key takeaways from the Summit and what they could mean for the future of THR.

Why should nicotine pouches be regulated in a different way to combustible nicotine products? Understanding how different product categories work and how they differ from combustible cigarettes can help inform evidence-based discussions around regulation, innovation, and THR.

Sweden is proving that a smoke-free future is possible.​ ​ In 2025, smoking rates fell below 5%, making Sweden one of the countries with the lowest smoking prevalence in Europe. ​Learning from Sweden can lead to less tobacco-related diseases and deaths.

Responsible regulation plays an important role in building consumer confidence. Building trust requires collaboration between regulators, manufacturers, retailers, public health stakeholders, and consumers with regulatory frameworks that can evolve alongside scientific evidence.

A common misconception about nicotine is the idea that all nicotine use carries the same level of risk. It doesn’t - the biggest health risks come from the toxic chemicals released when tobacco burns.​ That's why THR focuses on eliminating combustion, not nicotine.

Not all nicotine products have the same characteristics and understanding those differences matters. Understanding how nicotine pouches compare to combustible cigarettes can help regulators and adult consumers build a clearer picture of the health benefits and potential risks.

Not all nicotine products are the same... so should they all be regulated in the same way? As nicotine products continue to evolve, regulatory approaches should evolve alongside the scientific evidence including associated health benefits as well as risks.

Today, 1 in 5 or approximately 1.2 billion adults worldwide still smoke. Many have tried to quit, only to find themselves back where they started. Swipe to learn about THR, and how science and evidence continue to shape public health policies around smoke-free alternatives.

A Safer Alternative for Adult Nicotine Users​ Nicotine pouches are increasingly used as part of the Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) approach, a public health strategy that helps adult smokers who can't or won't quit nicotine entirely switch to significantly less harmful options.

Today, 1 in 5 or approximately 1.2 billion adults worldwide still smoke. Many have tried to quit, only to find themselves back where they started. This makes the case for more pragmatic strategies and approaches that reduce the health toll of smoking rather than depending entirely on complete cessation programs. Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), an approach focused on reducing exposure to harmful chemicals from smoking tobacco while supporting the adoption of alternatives to help those who would otherwise continue smoking. Swipe through to learn how science and evidence continue to shape public health policies around smoke-free alternatives. To explore more insights and evidence on Tobacco Harm Reduction in Asia, visit our website.

Tobacco Harm Reduction doesn't just help individual smokers. It benefits all of us. When we create policies that help smokers switch to safer alternatives, the positive effects ripple across the entire community. From lower healthcare costs and improved productivity to reduced inequalities, the societal case for THR is clear. It's a crucial investment in a healthier, more productive, and more resilient society. 📖 Learn more about the social benefits of THR: 🔎 New to THR? Start with our FAQs: