The Coalition of Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has called on the Mongolian government to reassess its stance on tobacco harm reduction (THR) products.
CAPHRA cites compelling evidence from Japan that demonstrates significant health and economic benefits from embracing safer alternatives to smoking.
A recent study published in the journal Healthcare indicates that if 50% of smokers in Japan switched from combustible cigarettes to heated tobacco products (HTPs), it could prevent 12 million patient cases and save JPY ¥454 billion in healthcare costs.
This data underscores the immense potential of THR strategies in countries with high smoking rates.
Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA, stated:
“The Japanese example clearly illustrates that safer nicotine products can be an effective harm reduction tool in nations where smoking prevalence remains high and other safer nicotine products are unavailable.”
In New Zealand, which regulated safer nicotine products as consumer products in 2020, smoking rates have dramatically decreased, enabling the country to be on track to meet its SmokeFree 2025 goal.
Mongolia, which faces significant tobacco-related health issues, could greatly benefit from adopting a more progressive approach to THR.
Despite the adoption of a Tobacco Control Law in 2005 and a ban on indoor smoking since 2015, enforcement remains weak.
Cigarettes are still sold near schools without regulation, and there is no monitoring or fines for violations.
Challenges Facing Mongolia:
- Low Taxation and High Smoking Rates: Mongolia has the lowest cigarette tax per pack globally, with prices as low as 836₮ ($0.24). Despite a decrease in smoking rates from 30% in 2000 to 24% today, population growth means the absolute number of smokers remains high. One out of two men in Mongolia smokes daily.
- Health Impact: Annually, 4,300 Mongolians die from smoking-related diseases. The country has higher-than-average rates of lung and oesophageal cancers, with about 70% of cancer patients diagnosed at late stages.
- E-cigarettes and Misinformation: E-cigarettes were introduced to Mongolia in 2021 but lack regulation. False information about their safety spreads rapidly on social media, creating public fear and misunderstanding.
“Mongolia’s current policies treat all nicotine products equally, showing a concerning lack of acceptance for harm reduction strategies,” Loucas added.
“By ignoring the potential of THR products, Mongolia is missing a crucial opportunity to save lives.”
CAPHRA’s Recommendations for Mongolia:
- Review and revise current regulations to differentiate between combustible cigarettes and less harmful alternatives.
- Consider introducing HTPs as a harm reduction tool, following Japan’s successful model.
- Engage with public health experts and THR advocates to develop evidence-based policies.
- Implement a tiered taxation system that encourages smokers to switch to less harmful products.
“The time for Mongolia to act is now,” Loucas concluded. “By embracing tobacco harm reduction, the country can significantly improve public health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and potentially narrow the life expectancy gap between men and women. We stand ready to support Mongolia in developing and implementing effective THR policies.”
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