On November 11, 2025, Colombo became the epicenter of a groundbreaking discussion on tobacco harm reduction as it hosted South Asia's first "Quit Like Sweden" anti-tobacco roundtable. This landmark event, organized by the UK-based international non-profit platform Quit Like Sweden, brought together leading experts from across the globe to examine Sweden's revolutionary approach to tobacco control and explore its potential adaptation in South Asian countries.
Sweden's Success Story in Tobacco Control
Sweden has achieved what many consider impossible in public health: becoming virtually smoke-free while maintaining one of the world's lowest rates of tobacco-related diseases. The Nordic country's unique approach centers on harm reduction rather than complete prohibition, allowing smokers to transition to less harmful alternatives like snus, a smokeless tobacco product. This strategy has resulted in Sweden having the lowest smoking rates in Europe, with less than 5% of the population smoking daily compared to the European Union average of 18%.
The Swedish model demonstrates that pragmatic harm reduction policies can be more effective than traditional abstinence-only approaches. By acknowledging that some individuals will continue using tobacco products regardless of restrictions, Sweden has successfully channeled consumption toward significantly less harmful alternatives, dramatically reducing lung cancer rates and other smoking-related illnesses.
South Asia's Tobacco Challenge
The roundtable addressed South Asia's unique tobacco landscape, where the region accounts for approximately 40% of global tobacco users. Countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka face enormous public health challenges due to widespread tobacco consumption in various forms, including cigarettes, bidis, and smokeless tobacco products. The economic burden of tobacco-related diseases costs these nations billions annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
Traditional tobacco control measures in South Asia have shown limited success, partly due to cultural factors, economic dependencies, and enforcement challenges. The region's diverse tobacco consumption patterns require innovative approaches that consider local contexts while maintaining public health objectives.
Expert Insights and Regional Adaptation
The Colombo roundtable featured presentations from Swedish public health officials, international tobacco control experts, and regional policymakers who discussed the feasibility of adapting Swedish strategies to South Asian contexts. Participants examined regulatory frameworks, consumer behavior patterns, and potential barriers to implementation.
Key discussions focused on how harm reduction principles could be integrated into existing tobacco control policies without undermining current prevention efforts. Experts emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches that prioritize reducing tobacco-related harm while acknowledging the complexity of complete cessation for many users.
The event highlighted successful elements of Sweden's approach, including clear product regulations, consumer education campaigns, and healthcare provider training. Participants explored how these components could be modified to suit South Asian regulatory environments and cultural preferences.
Policy Implications and Future Directions
The roundtable's strategic report outlined several potential policy directions for South Asian countries interested in incorporating harm reduction principles. These include developing regulatory frameworks for reduced-risk products, implementing consumer education programs about relative risks, and training healthcare providers to counsel patients on harm reduction options.
Participants discussed the importance of maintaining strong prevention programs targeting youth while simultaneously providing harm reduction options for current adult tobacco users. This dual approach requires careful policy design to avoid unintended consequences while maximizing public health benefits.
The report also addressed potential challenges, including regulatory resistance, public skepticism, and the need for robust monitoring systems to track policy effectiveness. Experts emphasized that any adaptation of the Swedish model must be tailored to local conditions and continuously evaluated for impact.
Building Regional Cooperation
One significant outcome of the Colombo roundtable was the establishment of a South Asian network for tobacco harm reduction research and policy development. This collaborative framework aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, coordinate research efforts, and develop region-specific evidence to support policy decisions.
The network will focus on conducting local studies on consumer preferences, health outcomes, and policy effectiveness to build a robust evidence base for harm reduction approaches in South Asian contexts. This research will be crucial for informing future policy decisions and addressing skepticism about harm reduction strategies.
Moving Forward
The strategic report from the Colombo roundtable represents a significant step toward innovative tobacco control approaches in South Asia. While the Swedish model cannot be directly transplanted to the region, its underlying principles of harm reduction offer valuable insights for developing more effective tobacco control strategies.
Success will depend on careful policy design, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring of outcomes. The roundtable's emphasis on evidence-based approaches and regional cooperation provides a solid foundation for future developments in South Asian tobacco control policy.
As South Asian countries grapple with enormous tobacco-related health burdens, the "Quit Like Sweden" initiative offers a fresh perspective on achieving meaningful reductions in tobacco harm through pragmatic, scientifically-informed policies that prioritize public health outcomes over ideological positions.