Vapouround Magazine ISSUE 36 | Page 36

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 .”

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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