India, 2024: Philip Morris International (PMI) recently hosted its 10th edition Technovation But Abu DhabiThe conference focused on the important role that innovationTechnology and science can help accelerate the decline in smoking rates, making a better future possible for all. PMI officials said a smoke-free future is within reach with alternatives that are designed to reduce harm compared to traditional tobacco through non-combustion technology.

Speaking at the event, Jacek Olzak, CEO of Philip Morris International, said banning cigarette alternatives is a “waste of time” because there is existing evidence that different product formats help solve the problem faster. Cigarette sales It is almost unethical to continue to deny people access to less harmful alternatives. The 1 billion smokers globally should have the right to choose an alternative that is less harmful. options have been adopted, There has been a decline of more than 45% in cigarette consumption in the last 10 years. Japan will be smoke-free in 10 years from now, while India will have more smokers and not adopt science-backed policies. , this may have missed this opportunity to stop smoking at a potentially faster pace.”

Reinforcing the sentiments, Fred de Wilde, president of South and Southeast Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Middle East and Africa region at Philip Morris International, said, “The Global South, with its young and growing population, is shaping the future. Will make a significant contribution.” , According to WHO, of the more than 1 billion smokers worldwide, 80% live in emerging economies. To accelerate the transition to a smoke-free future and reduce the harm caused by traditional tobacco use, we aim to meet consumer preferences in these regions with affordable and accessible less harmful alternatives to cigarette smoking. In fact, by June 2024, approximately 6.1 million individuals in twenty-seven countries had switched to less harmful alternatives. However, this is just the beginning, with more than half of the world’s legal age nicotine consumers living in these regions.

sharing the perspective of smoke-Free World, Tommaso Di Giovanni, Vice President of Global Communications at Philip Morris International, said, “PMI wants to replace cigarettes with less harmful alternatives as quickly as possible. These alternatives have been scientifically proven to be safer than smoking. Although not completely risk-free, they can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes. We firmly believe that if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you already smoke, quit. If you don’t stop, switch to less harmful alternatives.”

PMI presented some less harmful alternatives that eliminate combustion and showed how high levels of harmful chemicals in the smoke from burning cigarettes are the primary cause of smoking-related diseases.

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