The World Needs Gender-Specific Tobacco Harm Reduction
March 11, 2025 by filtermag.org
The World Needs Gender-Specific Tobacco Harm Reduction
Tobacco harm reduction saves lives by providing safer alternatives for smokers unwilling to quit. Women face unique challenges due to societal norms and health risks associated with smoking, including reproductive complications and cancer. Initiatives like the Lady Health Workers program in Pakistan demonstrate effective outreach to promote awareness and harm reduction. Gender-sensitive approaches are crucial in policy-making and advocacy to ensure equitable access to resources. Empowering women through THR not only benefits their health but also influences their families and communities positively. Collaboration with healthcare providers and tailored messaging are essential in promoting THR among women for a more inclusive and effective strategy.
12.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 15.6 million current smokers in Pakistan 22.20% of men are current smokers but only 2.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
