Read articles from Oceania

August 16, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

Tobacco harm reduction faces relentless opposition in Australia for ideological and political reasons and is opposed by almost all government organisations, medical associations and health charities. Vaping is framed as a threat rather than an opportunity and there is a moral panic about youth vaping. The scientific evidence is ignored or distorted and that message is amplified by the mainstream media. As a result, Australia’s smoking rates are declining slowly compared to other countries, and this is costing lives.

August 12, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

The NSW Parliamentary report on vaping fails to address the potential harm reduction benefits for adult smokers. It emphasizes exaggerated fears of youth vaping, dismissing evidence that most young vapers do not become regular users or transition to smoking. The report overlooks the proven benefits of vaping as a quitting aid, opting for ineffective crackdowns on illicit vapes instead of regulated sales. By succumbing to moral panic, the report misses the opportunity to improve public health and protect smokers. A rethink towards evidence-based harm reduction is crucial.

August 12, 2024 by theguardian.com

Frontline workers face legal obstacles in administering naloxone to treat drug overdoses in Victoria without first calling emergency services. Health experts warn about the dangers of synthetic opioids and advocate for increased access to naloxone. Despite public availability and trial vending machines, non-clinical workers must follow strict guidelines, causing potential delays in life-saving interventions. Concerns over indemnity and insurance coverage for administering naloxone have been raised, prompting calls for a more streamlined process. The Victorian government encourages the public to administer naloxone but emphasizes the importance of calling emergency services.

August 06, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

New Zealand aims to achieve smoke-free status by the end of 2025 by promoting vaping as a smoking cessation tool. The country's smoking rate has dropped to 6.8%, with the government anticipating it to go below 5% soon. Vaping has been instrumental in reducing smoking, with a 43% drop since 2020. The government introduced public support programs and a vaping information website to aid smokers in quitting. New Zealand's successful anti-smoking efforts serve as a model for other countries, as vaping is deemed safer than smoking. Restrictions on vapes have been implemented to prevent youth vaping, while reusable vapes remain available as an adult smoking cessation aid.

August 05, 2024 by filtermag.org

New Zealand has decreased excise tax on heated tobacco products by 50%, aiming to promote harm reduction in smoking. The country champions safer alternatives like heated tobacco products and vaping, with a goal to become smoke-free by 2025. The move has sparked debate, with some concerned about Big Tobacco influence. Experts recommend affordable access to lower-risk nicotine substitutes for effective smoking cessation. However, awareness about heated tobacco products remains low. Despite criticism, reducing taxes on these products could benefit those looking to quit smoking, particularly low-income individuals.

August 05, 2024 by theguardian.com

Two individuals were harmed by vaping synthetic opioids, with one teen dying. The substances were THC mixed with protonitazene, a lethal synthetic opioid. Medical experts share these cases to raise awareness of synthetic opioids infecting various drugs. Protonitazene, 100 times stronger than heroin, was the culprit, leading to overdoses and intense medical intervention. The incidents highlight the danger of vaping such drugs without knowledge, urging the availability of anti-overdose drugs to combat this issue. Authorities should enhance harm reduction measures, including drug checking services and wider access to naloxone. Awareness, education, and quick emergency response are crucial in preventing opioid overdoses.

July 30, 2024 by scoop.co.nz

CAPHRA criticizes misinformation on vaping as detrimental propaganda by some factions in tobacco control. They highlight the benefits of safer nicotine products in reducing smoking rates and health risks, supported by evidence from countries like the UK and New Zealand. CAPHRA urges governments and health organizations to prioritize accurate information and harm reduction strategies to combat smoking effectively. Embracing harm reduction is crucial to tackling smoking-related diseases.

July 30, 2024 by filtermag.org

Research explores leveraging international human rights treaties to challenge bans on nicotine vapes, drawing parallels to successful anti-gay law challenges. Optional Protocols provide pathways to challenge human rights violations. Applying this to vaping bans could invoke the rights to health and self-determination under the ICCPR and ICESCR. Arguments could target access to harm reduction methods as crucial for public health. The process involves evidence collection, complaint submission to relevant UN committees, and awaiting their views. Success could drive policy change through international pressure. Leveraging such mechanisms requires a strategic, collaborative approach, aiming to establish harm reduction as a fundamental human right globally.

July 15, 2024 by yahoo.com

Dr. Colin Mendelsohn advocates for legalizing and regulating vaping to reduce smoking's health and economic impact, pointing out the success in New Zealand. He criticizes Australia's anti-vaping laws, suggesting they are doomed to fail and hinder smoking cessation efforts. Despite concerns about litter and environmental impact, Mendelsohn believes vapes are a safer alternative to cigarettes. He emphasizes the need for better education on vaping and disposal practices. Smoking-related healthcare costs in Australia are a significant burden on the economy. The expert warns that stringent vaping regulations may not curb smoking and could fuel a thriving black market.

July 15, 2024 by abc.net.au

An anti-smoking advocate says the seizure of tens of thousands of dollars worth of illegal tobacco across regional Western Australia shows more needs to be done to combat the state's black market trade. Police seized thousands of cigarettes and vapes in raids across Bunbury, Manjimup and Geraldton last week. The raids, by detectives from the organised crime squad, netted more than 200,000 cigarettes, 16,000 vapes, 162 kilograms of illegal tobacco and $55,950 in cash. Police say the investigation into the seizures is ongoing.