Sweden has successfully achieved its goal of becoming “smoke-free” by 2025, with regular smoking rates dropping below five percent of the population. This significant reduction, from 16 percent in 2003 to 4.8 percent, is attributed to extensive preventative measures including reduced accessibility, increased costs, advertising bans, and support for quitting. While snus use has increased, research suggests it is not the primary driver for the decline in smoking.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the rising prevalence of e-cigarette use, noting that over 100 million people globally, including at least 15 million children, are currently using these devices. According to the WHO, children are disproportionately affected, with vaping rates nine times higher than those of adults. The organization’s officials state that e-cigarettes are fueling a “new wave” of nicotine addiction, potentially undermining public health efforts. The WHO also accuses the tobacco industry of aggressively targeting young people with their marketing strategies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker