Government data released in Sweden reveals that the country has become the first to officially achieve a "smoke-free" status.
According to a report from Smoke Free Sweden on November 13th, the country's accomplishment surpasses the European Union's target by 16 years. While many other EU member states are still far from reaching this goal, Sweden has set a new benchmark.
Official data from Sweden’s public health agency shows that only 4.5% of adults in the country smoke, significantly lower than the globally recognized 5% threshold for non-smoking populations.
In addition, the average smoking rate in European countries is 24%, which is five times higher than in Sweden.
"This outstanding achievement marks a significant moment in global public health and stands as a testament to the progressive policies that have guided Sweden’s approach to tobacco control," said Dr. Delon Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden.
"In the early 1960s, nearly half of Swedish men smoked. By embracing and encouraging the use of alternative nicotine products such as snus, oral nicotine pouches and vapes, Sweden has paved a clear path to a smoke-free society while safeguarding public health," he said.
"They should serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world and as inspirational proof that a pragmatic, enlightened approach can deliver sensational public health gains and save lives," Dr. Delon Human said.
"The new statistics show that 5.3% of all adults in Sweden, including immigrants, currently smoke. Remarkably, the data also reveals that people born elsewhere in Europe would on average be three times more likely to smoke if they had not moved to Sweden," Dr. Delon Human said.
Dr. Anders Milton, a physician and former president and CEO of the Swedish Medical Association, said: “Key to Sweden’s success is its pragmatic focus on harm reduction rather than prohibition. A wide range of safer nicotine products, with a variety of strengths and flavours, is legally available both online and in stores, supported by advertising, which raises awareness and encourages uptake."
"The Swedish government also applies a proportional excise tax, keeping smoke-free products more affordable than cigarettes. This tax policy, coupled with public education campaigns, has empowered Swedish consumers to make healthier choices and contributed to the country’s leading role in tobacco harm reduction," he said.
