Project Overview

Recent studies from Nepal show an increasing demand of vape/e-cigarettes as alternatives to combustible cigarettes, and consumers are considering them as strategies for cessation or reducing health risks of combustible cigarettes. At least 25% consider that vape/e-cigarettes will replace combustible cigarettes in the near future. The four countries-- Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka-- constitute a significant share of tobacco market in South Aisa. Having an overall tobacco prevalence rate between 20 to 30% of the of adult population, with marked gender differences, these countries have taken different initiatives for regulating tobacco products. focusing on health warnings on packages, smoke-free environments, cessation has been a neglected area and with the introduction of safer nicotine delivery products, the market and smokers’ behaviors have become complex.