Latest news with #FrameworkConventiononTobaccoControl
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Global Panel Urges Rapid Reform of WHO and FCTC to Embrace Science, Transparency, and Consumer Voices
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is leading a robust and candid panel discussion on Wednesday alongside the Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw, Poland. Consumer advocates will issue a resounding call for urgent reform of the taxpayer-funded World Health Organization (WHO) and its tobacco control arm, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The panel argues that years of politicized policymaking, opaque governance, and disregard for consumer perspectives have rendered the FCTC increasingly ineffective and out of touch with scientific and social realities. Calls for reform of international health institutions have intensified in recent years, with the WHO's pandemic response drawing widespread criticism and renewed scrutiny of its broader governance failures. The FCTC has not been immune. With smoking rates not declining in many regions and growing disillusionment about the Convention's approach, panellists say it's time for a serious reset. Martin Cullip, TPA International Fellow, observes that it has been clear for some time that WHO policies are missing the mark. "The FCTC has become a political instrument rather than a science-based treaty. If the WHO is serious about reform, the FCTC must be radically overhauled." Ignacio Leiva, President of ASOVAPE in Chile, shares his country's perspective. "In Chile, including consumer voices helped us pass a law that recognizes the difference between smoking and vaping. That's exactly what the FCTC needs. Evidence-based policymaking built on dialogue, not dogma." Nancy Loucas, representing Asian consumers, highlights the real-world harms of the WHO's current stance. "The WHO's policy shift against tobacco harm reduction ignores decades of evidence and disproportionately punishes low and middle-income countries. This isn't public health, it's health inequality." Consumer advocacy is a recurring theme, with speakers emphasising the importance of hearing from the people most affected by nicotine policies. Maria Papaioannoy of Rights 4 Vapers, Canada, emphasizes that "it's critical to counter the misinformation about safer nicotine products, especially when it comes from those in power. Consumers have voices, and it's time they were heard at FCTC COP11." Tom Gleeson, Trustee of New Nicotine Alliance Ireland, echoes the call for evidence-based reform. "The FCTC hasn't adapted since 2005 to account for safer nicotine products," he said. "Instead, it pats itself on the back for reducing percentages while the number of smokers stays the same. The war on tobacco shouldn't come at the cost of the very people it's meant to help." The panel discussion concludes with a unified appeal. Reform must focus on transparency, scientific integrity, and consumer inclusion. Participants call on the WHO and FCTC to step away from ideological posturing and prohibitionist strategies and instead commit to pragmatic policies that save lives. The panel's message is clear. Real reform starts when science speaks louder than politics and when the people most affected are invited to the table.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Vaping industry calls for smarter nicotine policies as smoking rates surge in South Africa
While advocating for alternatives like e-cigarettes and vaping as viable harm reduction tools, Yeo pointed to the necessity of cessation support mandated by the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which South Africa has yet to implement. Image: File photo The vaping industry has called for smarter nicotine policies as South Africa grapples with alarming increases in combustable tobacco smoking rates. This comes as Parliament continues to hold public consultations on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which seeks to impose stricter product and related product processing, regulate tobacco product and advertising, and standardise the 'packaging and appearance' of tobacco and electronic delivery system products. The Tobacco Bill prohibits leaves no room for any form of display of tobacco and electronic delivery systems, including both nicotine and non-nicotine products. Delivering oral submissions to the Portfolio Committee on Health on Wednesday, Kurt Yeo from Vaping Saved My Life made a plea not only for regulated alternatives but for a complete paradigm shift in how South Africa views nicotine consumption and tobacco harm reduction. 'I stand before you today, not as an opponent of regulations but a voice for a smarter, evidence-based approach to nicotine policy in South Africa. I represent the perspectives of consumers, especially smokers looking to quit and to those who have chosen safer alternatives. They deserve access to safe alternatives, accurate information, and non-coercive public health policy,' Yeo said. 'In real terms, more people smoke, snort, and chew tobacco than two decades ago, most of whom are in low middle-income countries. I believe it's because most of the attention has been directed at supply, and not addressing the demand. 'In South Africa, smoking prevalence has surged, from 6.7 million smokers in 2012 to 11.1 million in 2021, a staggering 65.7% increase. This is not due to the lack of regulation, but rather a failure of enforcement and the lack of cessation support. We need a standard set of robust, consistent reporting tools focused on nicotine consumption.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ With a mere 0.78% of South Africans managing to quit smoking in 2021, Yeo said the current policy landscape appeared ineffective, placing undue pressure on smokers by offering little more than ultimatums. While advocating for alternatives like e-cigarettes and vaping as viable harm reduction tools, Yeo pointed to the necessity of cessation support mandated by the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which South Africa has yet to implement. 'We must be cautious not to criminalise addiction or alienate those trying to quit. Coercion will not achieve the results that education and support can. New evidence shows that non-combustible nicotine products carry significantly less risk. Lifetime cancer risk and toxic exposures are dramatically lower than with smoking,' Yeo said. 'We must shift from the harm-is-harm ideology to the risk continuum approach. That's what saves lives. E-cigarettes, or vapes, are significantly less harmful than combustible tobacco.' The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) said it has become increasingly concerned about the to-date unregulated nature of Vapour Products in South Africa, and to this end sought to address this lacuna. ARB CEO, Gail Schimmel, said they were in support of the ban in so far as it relates to traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes.
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
World No Tobacco Day: WHO, GoP join hands to deal with devastating economic & health impacts
ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan and the World Health Organization (WHO) have joined hands to jointly collaborate to deal with the devastating economic and health impacts of tobacco, which annually results in the deaths of 164,000 people and financially cause Rs700 billion or $2.5 billion losses to the country. The development came here on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day jointly organised by the WHO and the Ministry of National Health Services. The participants emphasised that all tobacco products on the market, without exception and regardless of the manufacturer, are extremely harmful to health and pose serious risks to people of all ages including children and teenagers. Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary Health Laeeq Ahmad said that Pakistan was a proud signatory to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Pakistan remains firmly committed to implementing comprehensive, evidence-based measures to reduce tobacco use. He thanked all partners, including WHO, for their unwavering support. 'Together, let us work towards a tobacco-free Pakistan, a nation where our people can live, work, and thrive in an environment that values health, safety, and well-being,' He said that Pakistan in collaboration with WHO and other partners was committed to work together on urgent and sustainable measures to save lives. Measures include long-term increased taxation, advertising bans, regulation on plan packaging and product design to reduce appeal – especially to vulnerable populations such as children and teenagers, tobacco and nicotine-free public spaces, strict enforcement of tobacco control laws, and medical support for those who want to quit. Research has shown that measures such as tobacco taxation are effective in increasing revenues for the government while also reducing consumption, tobacco-related diseases, and pressure on health systems. Pakistan ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004, and WHO provides continuous technical support to the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination and the Federal Board of Revenue in areas such as tobacco tax policy and track-and-trace implementation. WHO Deputy Representative in Pakistan Ellen Thom said, 'The 164,000 people dead to tobacco every year are not just numbers. They are workers with families. They are sons and daughters. They are also teenagers and children, who are particularly vulnerable and an easy target for the advertisement of the tobacco industry. Let us unmask the appeal. Tobacco is not a candy; it is a killer, and we need to protect our children, our families, and our communities.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
News18
31-05-2025
- Health
- News18
World No Tobacco Day 2025: Trying To Quit Tobacco? Add These Foods To Your Diet
In 1987, WHO's Member States declared April 7, 1988, as a 'World No-Smoking Day' to mark WHO's 40th anniversary. Later, the WHO passed a resolution to observe World No Tobacco Day on May 31. Since then, the organisation has used this platform to highlight tobacco-related health risks and raise more awareness. advetisement In 1998, WHO launched the Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI) to strengthen global efforts, followed by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003, a treaty adopted by many countries, including India, to reduce tobacco use. World No Tobacco Day 2025: Significance World No Tobacco Day plays a critical role in educating people about the harmful effects of tobacco. As per estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, which makes it the leading cause of preventable deaths. The day also exposes the tobacco industry's manipulative tactics, such as targeting youth with appealing flavours and sleek designs. It also encourages individuals to quit tobacco and pushes governments to enforce stricter regulations, like bans on advertising and higher taxes on tobacco products. World No Tobacco Day 2025: Key Facts Tobacco kills up to half its users, contributing to diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. Around 80 per cent of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries. In 2020, 22.3 per cent of the world's population used tobacco: 36.7 per cent of men and 7.8 per cent of women. Tobacco kills up to half of its users who don't quit (1–3). The tobacco industry uses flavours and marketing to attract youth, with e-cigarette ads reaching over 3.4 billion views on social media. Tobacco production harms the environment through deforestation, chemical use, and waste. World No Tobacco Day 2025: Foods To Help Fight Tobacco Addiction Quitting tobacco is challenging, but certain foods can support the process by reducing cravings and repairing the body. Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery keep hands and mouth busy, curbing the urge to smoke. Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges help repair damage caused by tobacco. Whole Grains: Oats and brown rice stabilise blood sugar, reducing irritability during withdrawal. Nuts and Seeds: Chewing almonds or sunflower seeds distracts from cravings and provides healthy fats. Milk and Dairy: These can make cigarettes taste unpleasant, discouraging smoking. Herbal Teas: Ginger or peppermint tea soothes stress and supports detoxification. Drinking plenty of water also flushes nicotine from the body, aiding recovery. Advertisement Flavoured Tobacco: A Sweet Trap Leading to Serious Harm, Warns Oncologist According to Dr. Meghal Sanghavi, Oncologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, flavoured and glamorised tobacco products may seem less harmful — but that's exactly the danger. 'These products are designed to appeal to young people by masking the seriousness of addiction," he warned. 'Fruity flavours and sleek packaging often give a false sense of safety, drawing teenagers into early nicotine use." Dr. Sanghavi expressed deep concern over the rising number of young individuals being exposed to such products. He cautioned, 'Early tobacco use significantly increases the risk of cancers, especially of the mouth, throat, and lungs. What feels like a harmless trend today can lead to life-threatening diseases tomorrow. Awareness and early prevention are absolutely critical." advetisement World No Tobacco Day 2025: Celebrations World No Tobacco Day is marked by global and local events, including awareness rallies, poster competitions, and social media campaigns. Schools and communities organise educational programs to inform people about tobacco's negative effects on health. Governments often use this day to launch new anti-tobacco policies, such as smoking bans in public places or plain packaging laws. Individuals can participate by sharing anti-tobacco messages, supporting friends to quit, or pledging to stay tobacco-free. Jupiter Hospital, Thane Introduces De-Addiction Support Group On World No Tobacco Day 2025 In a significant step towards holistic healthcare, Jupiter Hospital, Thane launched its Tobacco De-Addiction Support Group on World No Tobacco Day. To mark this initiative, the hospital collaborated with the World Pranic Healing Foundation, founded by Master Choa Kok Sui, to host a pilot session on Twin Hearts Meditation and Pranic Healing. This event brought together medical experts, wellness professionals, Pranic Healers, patients, survivors, and individuals aiming to quit tobacco use, highlighting the growing importance of incorporating complementary therapies like energy healing and meditation into mainstream de-addiction programs. The Tobacco De-Addiction Support Group aims to provide long-term, comprehensive care for individuals seeking to overcome tobacco addiction. It goes beyond conventional medical treatment by offering emotional, psychological, and holistic wellness support, empowering individuals on their journey towards a healthier, tobacco-free life. The support group will hold monthly sessions, ensuring regular engagement and encouragement for participants throughout their recovery. Dr. Alpa Dalal, Head of Pulmonary Medicine, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, stated, 'Tobacco addiction is a multifaceted condition that harms both the body and mind. At Jupiter Hospital, Thane, we treat our patients not only medically but also emotionally and psychologically." The World Pranic Healing Foundation conducted the pilot session, showcasing how energy-based, no-touch, drug-free therapies are emerging as valuable complementary tools in de-addiction and rehabilitation programs. With addiction often linked to deep emotional and psychological patterns, experts increasingly advocate for integrating energy healing and meditation into mainstream healthcare. At the core of this initiative is Twin Hearts Meditation, a guided technique that relieves stress, clears negative emotions, and builds emotional resilience. Its regular practice strengthens willpower, clarity, and inner peace, which are crucial for overcoming addictive tendencies.
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Flavoured Nicotine Products Driving Youth Addiction, WHO Warns
This is especially true among youth users: it's one of the main reasons young people experiment with tobacco or nicotine products in the first place, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO). Flavoured nicotine and tobacco products are inherently addictive and toxic – often more so than regular tobacco. Flavours increase usage, make quitting harder, and have been linked to serious lung diseases, WHO maintains. Despite decades of progress in tobacco control, flavoured products are luring a new generation into addiction and contributing to eight million tobacco-related deaths each year. Youth-oriented marketing Nicotine products are often marketed directly toward young people through bright and colourful packaging featuring sweet and fruity flavour descriptors. Research shows that this type of advertising can trigger reward centres in adolescent brains and weaken the impact of health warnings. Young people also report a growing presence of flavoured nicotine product marketing across all social media platforms. This marketing of flavours works across all forms of nicotine and tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pouches and hookahs. WHO said flavours such as menthol, bubble gum and cotton candy, are 'masking the harshness of tobacco' and other nicotine products, turning what are toxic products 'into youth-friendly bait.' Call for action Just ahead of World No Tobacco Day, the UN health agency released a series of fact sheets and called on governments to ban all flavours in tobacco and nicotine products to protect young people from lifelong addiction and disease. It cited Articles 9 and 10 of the successful 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which obliges countries to regulate the contents and disclosure of tobacco products, including flavourings. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday that ' without bold action, the global tobacco epidemic…will continue to be driven by addiction dressed up with appealing flavours. ' As of December 2024, over 50 countries had adopted policies regulating tobacco additives, with most targeting flavourings by banning flavour labels or images and restricting the sale of flavored products. Some also control flavour use during production. However, the WHO noted that tobacco companies and retailers have found ways to circumvent these rules, offering flavour accessories including sprays, cards, capsules and filter tips, to add to unflavoured products. Still, WHO is urging all 184 FCTC parties (which make up 90 per cent of the world's population) to implement and enforce strong bans and restrictions on flavoured products and related additives.
