The Impact of Tobacco Harm Reduction in Bangladesh
August 15, 2024 by businesspostbd.com
The Impact of Tobacco Harm Reduction in Bangladesh
Dr. Altamash Mahmood co-authored the 'Lives Saved' report on Tobacco Harm Reduction in Bangladesh, estimating over 900,000 lives saved in the country and 2.5 million across four nations. The study emphasizes integrating THR strategies into tobacco control for significant benefits. Challenges in Bangladesh include regulation, misinformation, and industry conflicts. Learning from global examples is crucial for effective implementation. India's e-cigarette ban resulted in an illegal market, showing the importance of stakeholder engagement in policy-making. Engaging experts and communities is vital for culturally appropriate and practical policies to save lives from tobacco-related illnesses.
18.60% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 21.9 million current smokers in Bangladesh 36.40% of men are current smokers but only 0.50% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR