Publications
Current use prevalence of SLT in EECA according to the most recent survey
In countries like Uzbekistan, the prevalence of current smoking (10.7%) is significantly lower than the overall tobacco use rate (16.7%). This underscores the notable impact of smokeless tobacco (SLT), especially nasvay, on the region’s patterns of tobacco consumption. According to the most recent international surveys on adult tobacco use, the prevalence of SLT is particularly high in Tajikistan (10.3%) and Uzbekistan (9.9%). This is likely to be rooted in the traditional use of nasvay and its affordability relative to cigarettes. Nasvay is predominantly used by men. About one in five adult men in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan use nasvay - a rate that exceeds male smoking prevalence. With the exception of Kyrgyzstan (5.2%) and Kazakhstan (1.4%), other countries in the EECA region report negligible rates of SLT use.
Estimates of current tobacco use and tobacco smoking in EECA (2022)
Tobacco smoking is the leading form of tobacco consumption in EECA, albeit with distinct variations across countries. In 2022, the region recorded an average smoking rate of 23.3%, accounting for 20.7 million current smokers. Projections indicate a decrease in these rates, from 28.2% in 2000 to an expected 20.5% by 2030. In countries like Uzbekistan, the prevalence of current smoking (10.7%) is significantly lower than the overall tobacco use rate (16.7%). This underscores the notable impact of smokeless tobacco, especially nasvay, on the region’s patterns of tobacco consumption.
Tobacco Harm Reduction: A Burning Issue for Asia
Harry Shapiro
The focus of this GSTHR briefing is Asia. Sixty per cent of the world’s smokers live in this region and almost half the global deaths from smoking occur here. Asia is also home to nine in every ten users of smokeless tobacco (SLT), leading to high rates of oral cancer. In a number of countries, public health is severely undermined where governments either control or have a significant stake in domestic tobacco companies. New solutions are needed to tackle the public health threat from smoking and tobacco use - but safer nicotine products are banned in many countries. Would tobacco harm reduction improve public health in Asia? And if so - what are the obstacles that stand in its way?
The formal launch event for the briefing took place online on Sunday 18 April 2021 and was co-hosted with Association of Vapers India.
