Right Quest seeks harm reduction strategies for smoke-free Pakistan
MNP – A seminar was held recently where experts advocating for tobacco harm reduction encouraged for regulatory measures for smoke-free alternatives to help address the country’s significant public health challenges related to smoking.
Right Quest, an advocacy group, hosted a high-level stakeholder seminar on ‘Tobacco Harm Reduction’, which was attended by public health officials, medical professionals, and representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The conference was also attended by the media and local community members, who play crucial roles in enhancing public awareness and advocating for harm reduction policies.
Pakistan grapples with high smoking rates, contributing to over 160,000 smoking-related deaths annually. Despite being a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, current measures, including heavy taxation and bans, have not led to significant reductions in smoking prevalence.
According to WHO, a large proportion of the world’s 1.3 billion smokers reside in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan, further straining healthcare systems.
