November 13, 2024 

Today, Sweden has achieved an incredible milestone, becoming the first nation to officially declare itself “smoke-free.” With just 4.5% of Swedish-born adults still smoking, the country has smashed the globally recognized 5% benchmark, reaching this landmark 16 years ahead of the European Union’s target. Sweden’s achievement shines a light on a pioneering public health approach that has enabled it to leave behind the EU average smoking rate of 24%, which is five times higher than Sweden’s. 

The Secret to Sweden’s Success: Harm Reduction 

Sweden’s smoke-free status didn’t come by accident. It’s the result of decades of progressive, harm-reduction-based tobacco policies, encouraging people to switch from cigarettes to safer alternatives like snus, oral nicotine pouches, and vaping. This pragmatic strategy has allowed Swedish citizens to reduce the harm caused by smoking while still having access to less harmful nicotine products. 

Dr. Delon Human, leader of the Smoke Free Sweden initiative, lauded this achievement:  

“This outstanding moment is a testament to the progressive policies that have guided Sweden’s approach to tobacco control. Sweden stands as a beacon of hope and proof that a pragmatic, enlightened approach can deliver sensational public health gains and save lives.” 

The impact of these policies is clear: Sweden now has the lowest rate of tobacco-related diseases in the EU and 41% fewer cases of cancer compared to other European countries. 

A Harm Reduction Model that Prioritizes Consumer Choice 

Dr. Anders Milton, former president and CEO of the Swedish Medical Association, attributes much of this success to Sweden’s focus on harm reduction rather than outright prohibition.  

“Key to Sweden’s success is its pragmatic focus on harm reduction. A wide range of safer nicotine products is legally available, with diverse options for strength and flavor,” says Dr. Milton. 

Sweden’s model includes a proportional excise tax that keeps smoke-free products more affordable than cigarettes, ensuring that smokers are incentivized to switch to safer alternatives. Public awareness campaigns further empower Swedish citizens to make informed, healthier choices. 

Sweden’s Success vs. Other Nations’ Rigid Policies 

The success story in Sweden contrasts starkly with the struggles of other nations, where prohibitionist policies limit access to alternative nicotine products. Many countries continue to restrict or outright ban the very products that could help people quit smoking, including e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products. This restrictive approach is stalling progress on smoking reduction, with smoking rates stagnating—or even increasing—in some regions. 

Dr. Human emphasizes that  

“Sweden’s success is living proof that alternative nicotine products, when supported by evidence-based policies, are a powerful tool for positive change. Other countries’ rigid policies are pushing smokers away from life-saving alternatives and missing a chance to reduce tobacco harm.” 

A Call to Action for Global Policymakers 

As Sweden celebrates, public health experts are urging other countries to re-evaluate their tobacco control strategies and to integrate harm reduction as a core element. Sweden’s smoke-free status is a wake-up call: adopting science-backed policies on safer nicotine alternatives could help other countries drastically reduce smoking rates and tobacco-related harm. 

Smoke Free Sweden’s message to the world is clear—progressive, consumer-focused policies can make a smoke-free future a reality without sacrificing public health. As more countries look to reduce smoking, Sweden’s approach stands as a model for effective, life-saving change.