Better access to vapes could save 880,000 lives in Malaysia and Uzbekistan, new report reveals

A new report suggests that better access to vapes and nicotine alternatives could save around 880,000 lives in Malaysia and Uzbekistan by 2060. Despite heavy regulations, smoking rates are projected to increase in both countries. The World Health Organisation predicts a rise in smoking-related deaths. Implementing tobacco harm reduction strategies, including promoting safer alternatives, could drastically reduce these numbers. Successful examples from countries like Sweden and Japan highlight the effectiveness of such measures. The report urges Malaysian and Uzbek governments to prioritize harm reduction strategies to curb smoking rates and save lives.