Join us now & support harm reduction!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.
    Latest
    News

    WHO should embrace tobacco harm reduction to save lives, says global health advocate

    Ali Anderson
    Ali Anderson
    April 8, 2024
    5 min read
    Download Source FilesDownload Source Files

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) should embrace tobacco harm reduction tools such as vaping to save lives, a leading global health advocate has said.

    Writing in scientific journal The Lancet, Derek Yach - a former Executive Director at the WHO - accuses the organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of failing to adapt to “scientific and technological advances that can help smokers to quit”. 

    He says this has “destined more users of toxic tobacco products to live shorter, less healthy lives.”

    Yach’s letter is in response to a Lancet article by Kelley Lee and colleagues describing the “hard won progress” of the FCTC over its 20 years, and calling for harder action to be taken against vapes and other nicotine alternatives. 

    Yach says: “Lee and colleagues acknowledge slow progress in ending smoking, yet they advocate for more of the current FCTC actions without considering tobacco harm reduction.

    “This is even though continuation of the FCTC actions would cost over US$400 billion (£317 billion) - a figure they must know is unattainable. Instead, we should be asking what can be done differently.”

    Yach says tobacco harm reduction is integral to the FCTC definition of tobacco control, but it instead pushes bans, prohibitions, and regulations. This, he says, undermines access for millions of people to safer alternative products, such as vapes and nicotine pouches. 

    “Crucially, well over 120 million people use such alternatives and they seem to improve quit attempts compared with nicotine-replacement therapy,” he writes.

    Yach says the article by Lee and colleagues stereotypes global tobacco companies as purely being out to expand the market. He says they do not consider “the complexity and delicacy of extensive negotiations,” which led to all major tobacco producers except the USA and Indonesia becoming signatories to the FCTC. 

    He says they should consider how these legacy companies are moving away from traditional cigarettes towards safer alternatives as technology evolves.

    “We need not wait for a miraculous $400 billion to accelerate the end of smoking,” he says. “Under careful regulation, the power of industry could ensure that adult smokers have access to safer products as a route to quitting tobacco. 

    “Yes, tobacco companies who transform and offer safer alternatives will profit but that profit comes with potentially 100 million fewer premature deaths between 2025 and 2060.”

    DY served as the first Director of the Tobacco Free Initiative, WHO. He founded and led the Foundation for a Smoke Free World and has spent 35 years in tobacco control.

    Take Action Now!

    Sign up to our newsletter to get important news and alerts as it happens

    By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.

    FAQs

    Campaigning can be difficult, especially if it's not your full time job, but we're here to make it simpler. In this section, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about legislative processes, advocacy strategies, and how you can effectively participate in shaping policies.

    What is advocacy and how can I get involved?

    Simply put, advocacy is organising a group of likeminded people who campaign for a change in government policy by talking to the people in power. This can take many forms, from posting on social media, to writing to your local politicians, to arranging meetings with the government or responding to consultations. We help by providing the information and tools you need to do this effectively.

    How can I track the progress of legislation?

    Government websites will usually contain a list of the legislative files that are in the process of becoming law. However, these kinds of websites are designed for legal and political professionals, and they can often be confusing for the general public. We help by keeping our ear to the ground, looking out for development in tobacco harm reduction proposals, and then make sure you have an easy-to-use summary.

    What's the best way to contact my representatives?

    Politicians are people too, and like everyone else, the best way to get messages to them varies from person to person. Some like email or even traditional mail, while others are constantly checking their social media feeds. They all have one thing in common though: they need to keep up to date with what matters to the people they represent. We help you find yours by keeping databases of politicians and candidates across Europe alongside all of their contact details, so you can quickly find out how to reach the person you need.

    Can I make a difference?

    Yes! The only reason that harm reduction is still alive and kicking in Europe today is because people like you, with no political or campaigning background, took action to protect the availability of the products they rely on to stay smoke free. We've got lots of articles that talk about when and how this has happened in the past, which we hope will inspire you to get involved and make a difference.

    Still have questions?

    Send us an email and we'll get back to you.

    Stay Updated with Our Newsletter

    Sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates and stay engaged.

    By joining, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
    Be part of something great

    Join the community

    Make a positive change in the world of tobacco harm reduction
    Thank you! Your submission has been received!
    Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
    Email
    Please fill out the form below to get in touch with us.
    hello@clearingtheair.eu