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The increasing number of diseases related to smoking behavior has become a problem for every country in the world. The emergence of alternative tobacco products such as vapes is said to be a solution to reduce this prevalence and improve public health quality.

Prof. Tikki Pangestu, former Director of Policy Research and Cooperation at the World Health Organization (WHO), stated that the number of smokers in Indonesia currently reaches 69 million people. This number will certainly have an impact on public health and also on socio-economic aspects.

As a result, the government has to bear the burden of healthcare costs caused by smoking behavior.

"From a public health and socio-economic perspective, (this) requires strategies, interventions, and policies that will enable the reduction of smoking prevalence in Indonesia," said Tikki in a virtual discussion event titled 'Reducing the Harm of Smoking: Is Tobacco Harm Reduction Feasible?'

According to Tikki, the step the government can take now is to implement a harm reduction method by utilizing alternative tobacco products such as heated tobacco, e-cigarettes or vapes, nicotine pouches, and related products.

Many scientific studies and research show that alternative tobacco products can reduce health risks by 90 to 95 percent compared to cigarettes.

"Interventions through products that apply the concept of harm reduction are more effective than products like nicotine replacement therapy in helping those who want to quit smoking," Tikki emphasized.

If the government facilitates access and provides wider information regarding alternative tobacco products, many adult smokers will switch to alternative tobacco products, and the prevalence of smokers can be reduced.

"That is a key strategy to address this very complex problem. Innovative and technologically developed products like these have enormous potential," he said.

Source: Vapemagz