Stories

The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World rebranded to Global Action to End Smoking (GAES), focusing on smoking cessation. GAES aims to fund health and science research, provide cessation education, and support farmers transitioning away from tobacco cultivation, notably in Malawi. The organization discontinued funding from PMI and refuses support from tobacco and non-medicinal nicotine industries. GAES announced collaboration with the Urban Institute to research tobacco use disorder among low-income individuals in the U.S. President Cliff Douglas emphasized the importance of understanding barriers to cessation to combat the smoking epidemic. The initiative aligns with GAES' goal to empower high-risk individuals worldwide.

In today's episode Gabriel Oke, a public health professional and researcher, puts a spotlight on the use of social media to disseminate misinformation during the EVALI scare and COVID-19 pandemic, and how advocates and policy makers are having to adapt to a new world of instant communication.

Vaping's rapid rise among youth is causing concern over long-term health effects. New research reveals hazards in e-liquids, especially fruity and sweet flavors youth prefer. Legislation banning vape sales to under-18s and restricting marketing is crucial. Several countries have already implemented bans or restrictions. Urgent action is needed to regulate vaping to protect young people's health and the environment. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland supports strong regulations to address the growing vaping trend among youth. As vaping becomes increasingly popular, swift and robust legislation is essential to mitigate potential health risks associated with long-term vape use, particularly among young individuals.

Sweden is a global leader in tobacco harm reduction, with a smoking rate of only 5.6% due to embracing safer nicotine alternatives like snus and vapes. In contrast, the U.S. focuses on abstinence, leading to high smoking rates and health burdens. By following Sweden's approach, the U.S. can improve public health and reduce tobacco-related diseases significantly. Policymakers should consider harm reduction strategies to create a healthier future.

Young advocates in Massachusetts highlighted nicotine pouches as a concern during Kick Butts Day. These products evade tobacco regulations and are marketed to youth, raising worries about addiction and health effects. The push for policies to combat the accessibility and appeal of these products, along with increasing tobacco taxes, was emphasized to protect young people. The deceptive marketing of nicotine pouches as a safer option is refuted, emphasizing the risk of addiction, especially among youth with developing brains. Continuous advocacy is crucial to inform legislators and shape effective public health policies addressing the growing issue of tobacco and vaping among the youth community.

Sunak's government risks collapse in the upcoming election due by January 2025, facing challenges like a recent MP defection to Labour and close polling with Reform. Despite past successes in tobacco harm reduction (THR), Chancellor Hunt's 143% tax increase on vaping products contradicts the government's quit-smoking initiatives. Experts criticize the tax as harmful and driven by revenue motives, potentially pushing vapers back to smoking. This misstep highlights the government's lack of coherent policymaking and alienates voters, especially the five million UK vapers affected by the tax. The ill-conceived move exposes the administration's incompetence and threatens its electoral prospects.

Cliff Douglas, long an anti-smoking activist, is now the president of Global Action to End Smoking. His career includes being a key figure in an ABC News investigation on tobacco manipulation, leading to the FDA's regulation of cigarettes in 2009. Taking the helm of the controversial Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, Douglas aims to bridge gaps in tobacco harm reduction debates. While criticized for ties to Philip Morris, he emphasizes independence and plans to rename the foundation, distancing it from tobacco funding. Facing skepticism, Douglas advocates for practical steps towards reducing smoking rates and fostering collaboration in public health efforts.

Most potential harms attributable to substance use stem from two distinct causes of risk: the substance itself (including how it is used) and the prohibition of the substances or related equipment. Harm reduction has been shown to effectively mitigate the risks associated with a wide range of behaviors and substances. [...]

Australia has taken a hardline approach to vaping leaving smokers wanting to quit with few legal routes to access safer nicotine products. In today's episode leading Australian THR advocate Colin Mendelsohn asks, have these restrictions actually achieved their intended goals? In his recent evidence to Australian Senators, Colin set out how a compassionate approach could be the key to improving Australia's vaping situation.

As the Federal Liberal Government marches inexorably toward a ban on flavors in nicotine vaping products, pushback is growing, and questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Health Minister Mark Holland are being raised. Joining us today to talk though the nationwide consumer effort to stop the flavour ban is vaping activist Maria Papaioannoy-Duic, founder of Rights 4 Vapers. Hear how you can help defend flavours and learn why Maria thinks Minister Holland is backing the ban.