IRADA Shift Global in Tobacco Control Strategies

The Initiative on Risk-reduction and Dependable Alternatives (IRADA) recently held its fourth roundtable discussion in Karachi, highlighting Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) as an essential approach to improving public health in Pakistan. The event gathered stakeholders, including public health officials, medical experts, and community leaders, to discuss raising awareness and advancing policy for harm reduction.

Leading the discussion, renowned researcher Dr. Muhammad Rizwan Junaid highlighted THR’s potential to reduce tobacco-related illnesses and deaths in Pakistan. He shared Sweden’s success with alternatives like nicotine pouches and snus, which have led to lower smoking rates. Dr. Junaid emphasized that similar THR efforts in countries like Pakistan could save up to 2.6 million lives.

Harm reduction strategies have proven effective for reducing risks related to drug use and smoking. Examples include safe consumption facilities that reduce infection rates and offer support, as well as drug-checking services that help prevent overdoses.

IRADA’s initiative seeks to increase understanding and foster policy change in Pakistan to support harm reduction, which has the potential to save countless lives.