an echo chamber of the same tobacco control groups with their view of the world stuck at least 30 years ago .
“ We urge the WHO to endorse new approaches , be open to innovation in harm reduction and stop ignoring millions of consumers and experts in the field … the facts cannot be ignored any longer .”
There is outrage from pro-vaping activists around the globe that the COP9 tobacco control conference is held in private and supporters of reduced risk alternatives to smoking cannot take part .
The international event is highly influential in helping the WHO set its tobacco control policy recommendations .
The World Vapers ’ Alliance said products such as vaping , nicotine pouches and others , had already helped millions of smokers quit and encouraged the WHO to back them .
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The WHO has become an island unto itself , an echo chamber of the same tobacco control groups with their view of the world stuck at least 30 years ago .
The WVA said consumers wanted the WHO to provide :
• The recognition and inclusion of tobacco harm reduction methods
• The right to access and affordability for consumers and
• The effective participation of consumers in discussions at COP9 .
Landl added : “ Ignoring the voices , the experiences and the vast knowledge of harm reduction experts and consumers , flies in the face of transparency and good governance . “ Smokers and former smokers , consumers of less harmful alternatives and independent tobacco harm reduction experts need to have a voice when it comes to decision-making .” See the article ‘ End the hostilities ’ in the news section of this magazine for more .
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