STOCKHOLM – Ground-breaking new research released today reveals Uzbekistan’s restrictive policies on safer alternatives to cigarettes are resulting in thousands of unnecessary deaths every year.
The comprehensive study Tale of Two Nations by Smoke Free Sweden compares the tobacco control approaches of Uzbekistan and Sweden, showing how prohibition-based policies are failing to save lives while harm reduction strategies deliver exceptional results.
The study reveals that while Sweden’s embrace of safer nicotine alternatives has driven male smoking prevalence down to just 4.9% – one-quarter of Uzbekistan’s 20.4% rate – Uzbekistan’s traditional prohibition measures have failed to halt 30,000 smoking-related deaths annually while smoking rates remain virtually unchanged for more than a decade.
“This study demonstrates different approaches to addressing the problem,” said Dr. Gintautas-Yuozas Kentra, a cardiologist and harm reduction specialist for non-communicable diseases from Kazakhstan.
“This situation is typical not only for Uzbekistan but also for all neighboring countries, including Kazakhstan. Combating smoking is one of the key government tasks in preserving public health. The policy of bans is understandable — it’s the simplest and, at first glance, the most obvious path. However, history — for example, the Prohibition in the United States — shows that such policies only lead to illegal production, smuggling and corruption, without solving the core issue. In contrast, Sweden’s experience proves that, by using modern scientific advancements and approaches, outstanding results can be achieved.”
Sweden has achieved remarkable results by making safer alternatives, such as snus, vapes and nicotine pouches, acceptable, accessible and affordable to adult smokers. It has reduced its smoking rate by 54% since 2012 and now has Europe’s lowest smoking-related disease rates.
Uzbekistan has imposed a ban on nicotine pouches and is considering similar restrictions on vapes, e-liquids and heated tobacco products. Its 20.4% male smoking rate been virtually unchanged for more than a decade, and Uzbeks have easy access to deadly cigarettes and toxic nasvay.
Dr. Kentra added: “Our organisation focuses on reducing harm from non-communicable diseases, which are the leading cause of chronic illnesses and premature death.
It is essential to understand why people consume harmful products and find it difficult to quit. It’s an addiction, and it’s a disease. That’s why many struggle to stop using nicotine, and for some, it is nearly impossible. Through prohibition, we condemn these individuals to illness, suffering, and early death. If a person cannot or does not want to quit harmful habits, the state should provide them with choices based on scientific evidence — less harmful products. While not entirely safe, such products can significantly reduce health risks and help prevent many life-threatening diseases. One reason for the differing approaches in Sweden versus Uzbekistan and neighboring countries is the gap in awareness — among both policymakers and the general public — about modern, science-based strategies. Outdated knowledge, rumours and fears often dominate the discourse. We even encounter misunderstanding among healthcare professionals.”
The study reveals that Uzbekistan could prevent an estimated 464,000 tobacco-related deaths by 2060 if the government reversed course and provided broader access to safer smoke-free alternatives.
“It is worrying that the lives of almost half a million people are at risk – that’s the population of a major city are at risk due to a ban policy that is not the most effective public health approach,” Dr. Kentra stated. “As healthcare professionals, we are concerned about policies that may have negative effects on patients. The evidence from Sweden is unequivocal: harm reduction saves lives, prohibition costs lives. Policymakers in Central Asian countries, like Uzbekistan, now have a unique opportunity to follow a proven path toward a healthier nation.