Exclusionary Tactics Criticised
Global tobacco harm reduction advocates have criticised the WHO’s exclusionary tactics at COP10, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control conference starting today
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by Dave Cross
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“CAPHRA argues that this exclusionary practice is in stark contrast to the successful, pragmatic approaches of countries like New Zealand, the Philippines, and Malaysia, which have embraced vaping as a harm reduction tool,” said Nancy Loucas, a passionate advocate for tobacco harm reduction and executive coordinator of CAPHRA.
The public health policy expert condemns the WHO FCTC's COP10 meetings for silencing the voices of those who advocate for harm reduction strategies, such as vaping, which have been shown to significantly reduce smoking prevalence in countries where they are available and regulated.
CAPHRA points out that the prohibitionist approach of countries like Australia, which recently banned vaping products, is not in the best interest of public health.
“CAPHRA calls on FCTC officials to open their minds to harm reduction and to consider the evidence from countries like New Zealand, where smoking rates have decreased due to the availability of regulated vaping products,” continues Ms Loucas.
The organisation stresses the importance of including consumer groups in the decision-making process, as they provide essential insights into the needs of smokers and how alternative products can be used effectively.
“Concerns raised by EU member states about being excluded from negotiations at COP10 and the need for transparency and inclusivity in discussions that impact public health.”
CAPHRA's criticism aligns with reports that the WHO is influenced by special interest groups and that the FCTC has become restrictive in its engagement with NGOs, creating an echo chamber that ignores the potential benefits of harm reduction strategies.
“CAPHRA urges the WHO FCTC to re-evaluate its stance on harm reduction and to engage with all stakeholders, including consumer groups, to develop effective tobacco control policies that prioritise public health and respect the Right to Health,” Ms Loucas concluded.
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Advocates is a regional alliance of consumer tobacco harm reduction advocacy organisations. Its mission is to educate, advocate and represent the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products that reduce harm from tobacco use.
Harm reduction expert Clive Bates has written a Survival Guide for Delegates to the FCTC COP10.
COPWATCH will be providing ongoing commentary from the event across the week and has already started with a comprehensive guide for the COP10 week.
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
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