A Challenge to WHO's Stance

As a tireless advocate for consumer rights, Nancy Loucas has consistently called for the inclusion of consumer perspectives in policy discussions. Consumers are the most affected by these policies, yet their voices are often silenced or ignored. Loucas emphasised the importance of evidence-based policies, and the need to move beyond ideological positions to focus on what the science tells us about harm reduction.

On consumer representation, Nancy Loucas said: “It's crucial that consumer voices are heard in the development of tobacco control policies," Loucas stated. "Our experiences and perspectives are invaluable in creating effective harm reduction strategies". 

Then, speaking about the need for an evidence-based approach, Loucas emphasised the need for policies grounded in scientific evidence. "We advocate for harm reduction based on robust research and real-world data. It's not about promoting any industry; it's about saving lives". 

Next, moving on to addressing the issue of consumer exclusion, Loucas remarked, "The practice of labelling differing opinions as 'industry influence' is counterproductive. It stifles meaningful dialogue and ignores the lived experiences of millions". 

For Loucas, the solution is for the World Health Organization to embrace tobacco harm reduction advocacy. "CAPHRA's mission is to represent consumers and promote harm reduction strategies that have proven effective in helping smokers quit," Loucas said. "We're not aligned with any industry; our focus is solely on public health". 

Loucas stressed the significance of including various perspectives in policy discussions, the importance of diverse voices.

“Effective public health policies require input from all stakeholders, including consumers,” she explained. “Excluding voices doesn't lead to better outcomes.”

Finally, she moved on to cover a call for inclusive dialogue: "We call on global health bodies to engage in open, transparent discussions that include consumer advocates. Only through inclusive dialogue can we develop policies that truly serve public health interests" 

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. 

It says it remains committed to advocating for the rights of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region to access and use evidence-based, regulated, and properly marketed harm reduction products as a means of reducing the devastating impact of smoking-related diseases. 

“We encourage further research, open dialogue, and collaboration with governments, health organisations, and stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes for public health.”

References:

• Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates - https://caphraorg.net/

Photo Credit:

• Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Dave Cross

Journalist at POTV

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Dave 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.