The need for scientifically grounded, realistic, and multi-level prevention strategies that can improve public health and mitigate the long-term socioeconomic impact of chronic diseases was at the center of discussions during the Harm Reduction Conference 2025. Among the standout contributions were those of Iakovos Kargarotos, Vice President of Papastratos (Philip Morris International’s affiliate in Greece), renowned University College London Professor of Cardiology John Deanfield, and Philip Morris Cyprus General Manager Grigoris Kamperis.

The term “harm reduction” refers to a science- and innovation-based approach aimed at limiting the negative consequences of harmful habits or risk factors by offering practical solutions and alternative options to citizens. It is already successfully applied in areas such as healthcare, nutrition, road safety, privacy protection, the environment, and tobacco. This approach serves as an essential tool for reducing both individual and collective costs caused by chronic issues.

In his speech, Professor John Deanfield focused on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in Cyprus. “Our lives,” he stressed, “may be longer, but not necessarily healthier.” He emphasized the importance of early intervention in disease prevention, describing the decade preceding the onset of disease as a “golden decade” in a person’s life—a crucial period with a defining impact on long-term health. “Harm reduction, as a modern strategy, emphasizes changing habits early to meaningfully improve quality of life and relieve pressure on healthcare systems and the economy,” he said, adding: “Through solutions involving diet, exercise, awareness, and the technological support of daily health care, new possibilities for prevention emerge. Science, in partnership with innovation, offers realistic tools and practices that can be readily adopted by individuals, organizations, and governments.”

In his address, Iakovos Kargarotos, Vice President of Papastratos, highlighted smoking as one of the most serious and persistent public health challenges. As he noted, “Over one billion people worldwide continue to smoke—a number that, according to the World Health Organization, is expected to remain steady over the coming decades.” This, he pointed out, reflects the limited effectiveness of existing restrictive policies. Referring to international best practices, he noted that countries such as the USA, Greece, Italy, and Sweden have recognized the distinct nature of alternative tobacco products and are utilizing them as harm reduction tools. He stressed that “harm reduction and the corresponding products can complement prevention and cessation strategies and amplify the positive outcome—accelerating the decline of cigarette smoking.” He concluded emphatically: “Quitting is the best choice for any smoker. For those who do not quit, products that can potentially reduce harm are an alternative we cannot ignore. We cannot wait 30 years for complete epidemiological studies when we already know that cigarettes are the most harmful form of nicotine intake. In the case of smoking, inaction has a real human cost.”

Philip Morris Cyprus General Manager Grigoris Kamperis, in turn, highlighted that innovation is at the heart of the harm reduction approach. “We invest in science and technology to develop better alternatives to cigarettes—products that operate without combustion, which is the root cause of the harm caused by smoking.” Emphasizing the importance of public awareness, he noted: “It is equally important to ensure that adult smokers have access to reliable information and support so that they can make decisions based on scientific evidence and technology.”