FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“How Sweden Quit Smoking” Premiere Won The Hearts of the Spanish Audience
Madrid, Spain (February 28th, 2024) — The documentary “How Sweden Quit Smoking” made its way to Spain. This time, the movie that has captivated the MPs, MDs, decision-makers, media, and the general public in London and Stockholm gained an audience in Madrid, enhancing the dialogue on combating the smoking epidemic. The exclusive premiere took place at the Espacio Balboa, giving the guests the space for networking and discussion inspired by an engaging expert panel dialogue.
This time, the guests were able to hear the voices of Dr. Fernando Fernández Bueno, a Ph.D. in Medicine and Surgery and the host of the health channel Medicina Clara, which has more than 600,000 followers worldwide and 75 million views on YouTube; Dr. Josep María Ramón Torrell, a specialist in Internal Preventive Medicine and Public Health who since 2007 has been head of the Preventive Medical Service of the University Hospital of Bellvitge; Julio Ruades, the award-winning Youtuber and spokesperson for ANESVAP (Spanish Association of Personal Vaporizer Users) with more than 12 years of experience, and the executive producer of the movie and We Are Innovation CEO — Federico N. Fernández, who answered the most common questions on safer nicotine products and covered the strategies successfully employed in Sweden.
The discussion was moderated by Dr. Carmen Escrig, an advocate and scientific advisor for organizations focused on tobacco harm reduction, who has a Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Genetics from the Autonomous University of Madrid. With her deep knowledge and experience in the field, Dr. Escrig ensured a stimulating and informative conversation. Carmen states, “How Sweden Quit Smoking is a necessary documentary for the interest of society and, especially, for our political and health authorities currently presenting the National Smoking Plan in Spain. In it they will be able to learn how Harm Reduction products can change the face of smoking until it disappears. And not through persecution and prohibitionist measures, but through self-management and informed decisions by the citizens themselves.”
Directed by Tomasz Agencki, “How Sweden Quit Smoking” showcases Sweden’s efforts to eliminate smoking within its borders. The documentary shares the broad voices of scholars, medical doctors, innovators, activists, and artists, combined with factors of science, policy-making, and national traditions.
After watching the documentary, Josep-Maria Ramon Torrell shares his reflections, “As has been the case in countries like Sweden, smoking policies should be based on the decoupling of tobacco and nicotine use. Thus, elimination of tobacco consumption is possible, but we can hardly eliminate nicotine consumption and use.”
His take is supported by Julio Ruades, “Anti-smoking policies in Spain have been failing for more than two decades; it is time to change course, and harm reduction is the best possible way forward. Sweden has shown this; the evidence is overwhelming and must be followed.”
Sweden’s innovative approach to reducing smoking prevalence and efficient policy-making practices can set a positive example for other countries in adopting best practices.
Dr. Fernando Fernández Bueno shares, “Sweden’s innovative regulatory strategy and strategic use of market dynamics signals the beginning of a new phase in nicotine harm reduction. By focusing on driving innovation, competition, and public welfare, it seeks to hasten the end of the conventional cigarette. Establishing a regulatory framework that favors less harmful nicotine options synchronizes public health interests with market movements.”
The executive producer and We Are Innovation CEO Federico N. Fernández believes that Spain, with different smoking habits, can learn from Sweden, “Sweden’s success in curbing smoking offers a powerful example for Spain. Our documentary premiere in Madrid ignites hope. By emulating Swedish policies, public norms, and innovations, we can replicate their triumph. Let’s crush smoking like Sweden, burying it in the graveyard of harmful habits. It’s time for Spain to go smoke-free!”
By adopting the best practices, combined with the unique cultural, political, and historical approach, the Swedish miracle of becoming a smoke-free country can serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of European countries and beyond.
ENDS
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