India Must Adopt Holistic Harm Reduction Strategy to Combat Tobacco Consumption

New Delhi, [Current Date] - A recent report has highlighted the need for an effective harm reduction strategy in India to address the rising toll of tobacco consumption. The report highlights that by 2030, more than 80 percent of tobacco-related deaths will be among low- and middle-income countries, with India being ranked second globally in terms of tobacco usage.

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is being followed by countries, including India, but there is a need to revisit the strategies given the current situation. Former WHO officials, Prof. Robert Beaglehole and Prof. Ruth Bonita, have argued that current tobacco control strategies are not effective and that a focus on harm reduction and technological advancements is required.

The report emphasizes the importance of cessation as the quickest way to reduce deaths from tobacco consumption. Policies such as tax increases, smoke-free spaces, advertising bans, and educational programs have been emphasized by the FCTC. However, there is a need to integrate clinical and medicated solutions into public policy to mitigate the tobacco challenge.

To tackle this issue, experts suggest adopting policies that promote safer alternatives with scientifically proven efficacy. These include government incentives, awareness campaigns, and support from health professionals. There is also a need for international collaboration to share effective strategies and expertise in developing novel alternatives like heat-not-burn (HTP) products for quitting smoking.

A comprehensive approach is essential to address the toll of tobacco on public health. Experts suggest that alternative nicotine cessation devices should be available only for serious smokers, with scientifically proven options offered to those who want to quit but struggle due to lack of availability.

To reduce the broader impact on population, there is a need to focus on providing less harmful alternatives and promoting safer practices for those unable to quit smoking. Individuals can switch to less hazardous alternatives, minimizing their overall health risks. Affordable and accessible nicotine reduction techniques should also be promoted.

A nationwide mass media campaign, supported by regional media targeting smokers, dispelling myths about tobacco use, and encouraging cessation, is essential. Moreover, increasing investment in innovation funds that support research, data collection, and impact monitoring is necessary to develop science-based solutions for tobacco control.

To address the concerns of manufacturers developing products with a lower risk exposure, offering subsidies can incentivize development of affordable harm-reduction options. Collaboration between the government, public health experts, regulators, consumers, healthcare practitioners, and other stakeholders is crucial to develop innovative and effective harm reduction methods and alternatives.

As India plays a key role in controlling tobacco addiction by reducing consumption of cigarettes and risky oral tobacco products, adopting a holistic roadmap toward tobacco harm reduction and cessation is imperative. The introduction of less harmful alternatives aligns with the government's goal of reducing tobacco-related harm and encouraging cessation.

By adopting a collaborative approach to develop evidence-based solutions for tobacco control, India can pave the way for a healthier, smoke-free future for individuals and communities across the nation.