NEWS
YOU ’ RE FIGHTING THE WRONG BATTLE !
Advocates from around the world urge the WHO to focus on creating a smoke-free future , instead of ‘ turning its guns on vaping ’.
Words : Jordan Millar
When will the WHO acknowledge the ‘ wealth of evidence ’ in support of vaping and end its ‘ anti-science charade ’?
Some of the most prominent voices in harm reduction came together to demand the World Health Organization ‘ end its war ’ on life-saving alternatives .
The group also insisted that vapers and ‘ independent experts ’ be allowed to attend November ’ s crucial COP9 tobacco summit .
With the Conference of Parties determining the future of vaping , smoking and harm reduction policies on a global scale , they said advocates must be given the chance to speak .
They stressed that the health body has an opportunity to ‘ beat smoking for good ’, but it seems too focused on fighting the wrong battles .
Michael said : “ 200 million lives worldwide could be saved , but it looks like COP9 will be another anti-science and anti-consumer WHO charade .
Michael Landl of the World Vapers ’ Alliance said : “ The WHO routinely ignores the wealth of science pointing to the benefit of these products and the firsthand experience of millions who quit smoking for good .
“ Restricting or banning access to vaping and other products will do nothing but cost lives … millions could be saved if the WHO was really serious about beating smoking .” The 31-strong group of consumer organisations urged the WHO to deliver on its harm reduction promises .
They asked that it endorsed proven reduced risk products , ensured affordability for consumers and safeguarded people ’ s right to access the most effective and popular quitting tools available .
“ It ’ s time to actually deliver on the commitment to tobacco harm reduction by endorsing harm reduction products .”
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Restricting or banning access to vaping and other products will do nothing but cost lives … millions could be saved if the WHO was really serious about beating smoking .
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