The WHO needs to rethink its approach to e-cigarettes and other harm reduction products. This is according to the organization INNCO, which is now launching an international campaign.
"Smokers should have the right and a realistic opportunity to choose less harmful alternatives to cigarettes. It is a human right", INNCO writes.
In February leaked information that the WHO working group The World Health Organization is planning to propose tougher restrictions on e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products. Now, many organizations fear that the WHO's hard line will affect users and smokers worldwide. In particular, low-income countries, where a structured system to help smokers quit is not in place.
"It proposes simplistic solutions to a complex problem. Banning electronic cigarettes and similar products is a blunt instrument for dealing with a problem that requires pragmatism and nuanced thinking. Banning harm reduction alternatives hinders sustainable development and makes the fight against smoking more difficult" writes INNCO, International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organizations.
Believes that bans are harmful
Several countries have completely banned the sale of e-cigarettes, while others prohibits flavoring in the e-liquid. According to INNCO, this means that smokers are ultimately left with two options: stop using nicotine or die.
"The prohibitionist mentality is outdated, unrealistic and destructive. It risks driving former smokers who use harm reduction alternatives back to cigarettes. It opens up black markets that cannot be regulated. At the same time, we are losing an innovative solution that could save millions of lives," INNCO writes.
E-cigarettes effective in smoking cessation
As Vejpkollen previously reported, the WHO's stance on e-cigarettes has come under sharp criticism by both health professionals and researchers in the field of tobacco and addiction. According to British Public Health Agency vejpning can reduce the harm caused by smoking by at least 95%. And according to the Agency's latest report e-cigarettes the most effective way to reduce tobacco smoking.
"Studies from local stop-smoking centers showed that vejpning was at the top of the list for successful quit attempts. Between 60 and 75 percent of smokers who, with encouragement, used e-cigarettes were successful in quitting." writes the UK Public Health Agency in its report "Vaping in England - an evidence update 2021"
Demanding safer nicotine
INNCO, made up of consumer-driven organizations worldwide, is now urging both politicians and governments to take the issue of harm reduction seriously.
"There is no benefit in restricting access to safer nicotine products. It only increases the risk of greater harm from tobacco smoking," INNCO writes.
Collecting signatures
One of INNCO's member organizations, CAPHRA, is now calling on the WHO to listen to users of alternative nicotine products. The organization is also gathering signatures to a petition to be submitted to the WHO.
"Decisions on new guidelines, and the process leading up to them, should be based on transparency, sound science and be conducted in dialogue with consumers," writes CAPHRA, which hopes to be heard by the WHO ahead of new negotiations on tobacco regulation in November 2021.
