Collaboration is at the heart of some of the most groundbreaking scientific advancements in history. Take for instance, the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure by Watson, Crick, and the contributions of Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin. This was a product of pure teamwork, collective knowledge, and a shared effort for human progression. Collaboration, especially as it relates to science, often produces the best possible results, which is why it’s central to our approach in advancing Tobacco Harm Reduction.
Every stakeholder – from policymakers, regulators, and advocacy groups to those in the healthcare and scientific communities – plays a significant role in working to reduce the harm associated with smoking. This also includes the tobacco industry, which is why we’re committed to collaborating with those who share the common goal of improving public health outcomes.
The tobacco and nicotine industry generates the largest body of rigorous science on Tobacco Harm Reduction but is excluded from important scientific and policy forums where constructive discussion is needed. Allowing the industry to share research and perspectives can lead to greater trust between stakeholders and more innovative solutions to overcome one of the most important public health challenges.
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Collaborations between the public and private sectors are crucial in offering potentially less harmful alternative products to adult smokers. When government, public health, and industry stakeholders collaborate to bring regulated, potentially reduced risk alternatives to market, we see positive results. For example, Sweden’s smoking rate has dwindled to 5.3% percent due to effective collaboration among key stakeholders with the shared goal of reducing the harm associated with combustible cigarettes. That’s less than half of the smoking rate in America today!
In the U.S., transparent collaboration is essential to advance tobacco harm reduction. Effective partnerships between stakeholders can drive solutions to offer adult smokers with potentially reduced risk alternatives.
We’re committed to ensuring adult smokers who are uninterested in quitting tobacco products altogether have access to innovative, potentially less risky alternatives to combustible cigarettes. To those who share a common ambition to reduce harm, Reynolds invites dialogue and collaboration.
To learn more about Tobacco Harm Reduction, and Reynolds’ commitment to creating A Better Tomorrow by Building a Smokeless World, visit the Reducing Harm page on ReynoldsAmerican.com.
