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The GFN24 conference will be held online and live in Warsaw from 13-15 June 2024, focusing on 'Economics, Health, and Tobacco Harm Reduction'. Featuring expert discussions on nicotine products, GFN24 will also include ScienceLab contributions and frozen registration fees. GFN•TV reports current news in tobacco harm reduction. Consumer involvement is emphasized, with a consumer meeting on 12th June and representation throughout the event. The GFN prioritizes inclusive dialogue on safer nicotine products, inviting stakeholders to join the conversation. Ticket prices for consumers are accessible and unchanged since 2023 to encourage participation.

#GFN24 will be hosting its very own film festival, showcasing the best short films from the GFN community exploring the vital role of tobacco harm reduction in the public health sphere. Multi-award-winning film maker Emmanuel Mwape joins us to tell us all about the GFN Film Festival, and what we have to look forward to live at #GFN24 in Warsaw!

The chief executive of British American Tobacco has endorsed the UK’s plans for a vaping tax, claiming the cigarette maker has learned to “love regulation”. Asked if he endorsed a vaping duty, BAT chief executive Tadeu Marroco told the Financial Times: “I think that could be a good idea, I think that we need more regulation”. “A lot of people confuse that we are an industry that hates regulation, that’s exactly the opposite: we love regulation,” he added.

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa sought on Wednesday, March 6, the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that minors will have no access to e-cigarettes amid cases of young Filipinos suffering from lung injuries. Herbosa said he specifically asked PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. to ensure that the specific provision of the Republic Act 11900 relating to the prohibition to sell vapes to people below 18 years old is strictly implemented.

The proportion of young vapers in Great Britain has increased to 20.5%. Vapes appeal to youth with enticing flavors and packaging. Misguided perceptions of vaping being safe persist. The government is taking steps to reduce youth vaping, including banning disposable vapes and regulating packaging and flavors. Public awareness campaigns are suggested to counter social approval of vaping. Peer pressure and desire for social acceptance drive teens to vape. Influencers and media portrayals play key roles. Stronger regulation of social media content, education on online information evaluation, and higher vape prices are proposed solutions.

Health Canada’s 15-person delegation is now back from the World Health Organization’s recent jamboree on tobacco control, held in Panama, a world tobacco smuggling nexus. The WHO has a vaping problem. Obsessive about tobacco but vehemently opposed to harm reduction, it effectively denies overwhelming scientific evidence that e-cigarettes are the most effective cigarette-quitting device ever invented. Energized and ready, the Health Canada team is turning its attention to discouraging e-cigarettes in this country.

In England, recent data show a decline in adults who correctly perceive vaping as less harmful than smoking, with only 27% aware in 2023 compared to 44% in 2014. This lack of understanding may deter smokers from switching to vaping for harm reduction. Factors contributing to this shift include misinformation, media influence, and recent policies aimed at reducing youth vaping. While the UK has supported harm reduction messaging for vaping, concerns over youth use have led to proposed bans, flavor restrictions, and a potential vape tax. Amidst these changes, public perception of vaping's benefits compared to smoking mirrors challenges seen in the US.

Activists caution that the Kenyan Government's ban on vapes and nicotine pouches could worsen smoking-related harm. The Campaign for Safer Alternatives urges evidence-based policies, highlighting the reduced health risks of these products compared to cigarettes. Encouraging safer alternatives, like in the UK and Sweden, may be more effective in reducing smoking-related deaths. The group stresses the importance of regulating, not banning, these products to aid smokers in quitting and save lives.

In this Good COP/Bad COP edition of Across the Pond, Maria Papaioannoy of Rights 4 Vapers, joins Lindsey and Martin to discuss COP10, her thoughts on harm reduction, and her future plans for COP11. (We experienced some technical difficulties during the recording and apologize for any inconvenience.)

The UK government, led by PM Rishi Sunak, plans to raise taxes on vaping and cigarettes, causing concern among consumers. The World Vapers’ Alliance criticizes the move, warning it could harm smokers' health and worsen inequalities. Evidence shows smoking rates are higher among lower-income groups. Proposed bans on vaping products may encourage black market activities. The Alliance calls for a balanced approach focusing on public health and helping smokers switch to safer alternatives.