The World Health Organization (WHO) has long relied on strict regulations such as high taxation and bans under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to curb smoking rates. However, despite these efforts, progress has been slow in many regions, including Pakistan. With 1.3 billion smokers worldwide and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.a deadline approaching, the need for innovative and effective strategies has never been greater.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent authorization for the marketing of Zyn nicotine pouches, following a rigorous scientific assessment, highlights how evidence-based harm reduction can enhance existing tobacco control efforts. By classifying Zyn as a better alternative, the FDA has underscored the importance of smoke-free products in addressing smoking-related health concerns.
This move signals a crucial moment for the WHO to reconsider its stance on Zyn nicotine pouches and other tobacco harm reduction (THR) products. If the WHO authorizes these products, it will pave the way for their widespread acceptance, making it easier for countries worldwide to incorporate them into their tobacco control policies.
Pakistan has one of the highest smoking rates globally, with approximately 31 million smokers. Smoking-related illnesses claim over 160,000 lives annually, and in 2019 alone, the country spent an estimated USD 3.85 billion on smoking-related healthcare costs.
Zyn nicotine pouches provide a viable option for adult smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit smoking but seek an alternative that eliminates combustion – the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. The FDA’s authorization emphasizes the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring product safety, quality, and responsible marketing.
Despite the availability of Zyn nicotine pouches in Pakistan, they exist in a regulatory gray area. This lack of clear guidelines leaves consumers uncertain about product quality. A well-defined regulatory framework would enable Pakistan to ensure proper labeling, responsible marketing, and widespread accessibility of Zyn nicotine pouches to adult smokers who could benefit from them.
