Today, Sunday May 31 on World Vape Day 2026, Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) Research Hub joins consumer groups across the globe to mark the power of tobacco harm reduction and the millions of adult smokers who have switched to reduced-risk alternatives.
The WHO frames nicotine and tobacco as a single problem, the evidence tells a different story.
The danger comes from burning tobacco, not from nicotine itself. Adult smokers who switch completely to reduced-risk alternative reduce their exposure to the toxic chemicals that cause smoking-related illnesses.
This year’s theme, One Switch – Everyone Wins, highlights that the benefits of switching reach beyond the adult smoker.
Partners, children, and families breathe cleaner air. Research shows that children of parents who smoke are up to four times more likely to become smokers themselves. A switch to reduced-risk alternatives breaks that cycle.
Countries that have embraced harm reduction show what is possible. Sweden reached smoke-free status in 2024, 16 years ahead of the EU target, with 41% fewer smoking-related cancers and 44% lower tobacco mortality than the EU average. The UK halved its smoking rate by embedding vaping in its national quit strategy.
“Smoke causes serious health risks. Nicotine itself is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. Every day that smokers are denied access to less harmful alternatives is a day the public health community is failing them. One switch saves lives – and the benefits go well beyond the smoker themselves,” said Dr. Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, Research Lead at the THR Research Hub.
He added that the World Vape Day presents an opportunity to reflect on remarkable achievements made in stressing the urgency for Nigeria to adopt THR strategies while drawing inspiration from Sweden’s successful model.
