Aligning THR with national tobacco control and NCD goals

THR is most effective when integrated into existing tobacco control and noncommunicable disease (NCD) strategies rather than treated as a separate agenda. Framing THR as a tool to reduce smoking-related harm strengthens political acceptance and links it directly to national goals for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions.

Integrating THR into established cessation and health promotion services allows governments to use systems that already reach people who smoke. Adding safer nicotine options to existing quit services expands choice while remaining consistent with national guidelines. Importantly, once safer nicotine products are accessible and correctly regulated, THR can deliver population-level benefits with minimal ongoing supervision, making it particularly suited to health systems with limited workforce capacity.

Alignment also encourages broader government engagement. When THR supports NCD priorities, ministries beyond health, including finance and social development, are more likely to participate. For example, differential taxation that favours lower-risk products can reduce long-term healthcare costs, while social sector involvement can help reach communities with high smoking burden.

Using existing delivery systems avoids duplication and reduces costs. Leveraging current supply chains, health information systems, and frontline health workers helps embed THR into routine practice rather than creating parallel programmes. Clear alignment with national strategies also improves public communication, increasing trust, reducing confusion, and supporting acceptance among health professionals and communities.