FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sweden’s Path to Becoming Smoke-Free: Insights from We Are Innovation’s Latest Research
* We Are Innovation published an Analysis on Sweden’s success in battling smoking through innovative nicotine products
* It highlights Sweden’s unique stride beyond traditional measures
Stockholm, Sweden (August 17, 2023) — We Are Innovation (WAI), a global network comprising over 30 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, has released its latest position paper titled “Leading the way to a smoke-free future: The experience of Sweden.” This groundbreaking research highlights the remarkable success of Sweden in dramatically reducing smoking rates, mainly due to its embrace of alternative nicotine products.
Sweden’s approach to combating smoking presents a compelling case. The country has seen its smoking rates plummet from 15 percent in 2008 to an astounding 5.6 percent in 2022, a stark contrast to the EU’s average rate of 23 percent. Public health impacts have been remarkable, with Sweden experiencing a lower incidence of cancer and far fewer deaths attributable to smoking-related diseases.
The success story of Sweden is attributed to a combination of enforcement measures combined with elements that promote gradual behavioral change. This includes awareness programs, accurate information, and the availability of innovative alternative nicotine products.
Results from an Ipsos survey of Swedish ex-smokers underscore the importance of accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of alternative nicotine products. The study surveyed a representative sample of over 1,000 Swedish ex-smokers between 18 and 65+.
The respondents emphasized the need for a wide variety of these products, available both online and in conventional sales channels, with flavors, nicotine levels and pricing that make them acceptable and a realistic alternative to cigarettes.
Snus has played an important role in moving and keeping smokers away from cigarettes for several generations, but that role is now progressively replaced by newer innovative products.
According to WAI’s researcher José Alberto León, “Sweden’s track record provides invaluable insights into the potential synergy between strictly coercive measures and initiatives that foster gradual behavioral change. This approach could serve as a model for countries worldwide, aiming to reduce smoking rates and enhance public health.”
The organization calls upon global readers to delve deeper by accessing the entire paper, hoping it becomes valuable information for decision-makers.
We Are Innovation commits to continuously monitoring this vital issue for a future roadmap, producing further material and updates to facilitate global transformative change.
To learn more about this paper and We Are Innovation’s significant initiatives, visit https://weareinnovation.global/.
ENDS
ABOUT WE ARE INNOVATION
We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who deeply believe in innovation’s power to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With over 30 think tanks, foundations and NGOs based worldwide, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, adopting new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are driving global transformative change. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/.
