The United Nations calls for “Whole-of-Society Engagement” to prevent and control smoking-related disease and premature death. Should this include all stakeholders, including the industry?

We’ve recently come across a platform, OmniTM, developed by British American Tobacco (BAT), an industry stakeholder, that aims to stimulate debate on the evidence of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR), particularly the science underpinning THR. Regardless of the industry's previous misguided influence on public health perceptions, evidence of THR cannot be overlooked.

Using Sweden as a case study for the success of THR, engaging in debate and conversations with scientists, health professionals, policy-makers, and consumers is a strategy that would have a positive impact on public health outcomes. Another great example of a whole-of-society approach is New Zealand and how they have communicated the benefits of THR to drive smoking rates down.

In an ideal world, every person who smokes would simply quit smoking. Unfortunately, that has proven to be the struggle of the century. However, there are alternatives for the greater population to reduce the harm caused by smoking.

Do we hastily restrict and remove smoke-free alternatives to prevent possible new consumers from nicotine dependency, or do we help people quit smoking through diverse and unique cessation efforts?

What do you think? Participate in the debate. Do visit this new website at asmokelessworld.com and investigate the views of an industry stakeholder. Hold them accountable and make suggestions about what can and should be done to save the lives of adult smokers.