Stories

A survey by the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) found that 90% of residents back stronger smoking control, and raising tobacco tax could reduce smoking rates over the next decade. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) study, commissioned by COSH, revealed support for expanded smoke-free areas and a smoking ban in outdoor spaces. Conducted from December 2024 to May the following year, the survey had 5,600 participants, including smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers. Assistant Dean Kelvin Wang Man-ping highlighted widespread public support for increased no-smoking areas as a means to protect public health.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has revealed that new data shows 69% of British 11–17-year-old smokers say that, if they had their time again, they would not have started smoking. Almost two-thirds expressed a desire to quit and the anti-smoking charity says its findings highlights the importance of phasing out the sale of tobacco. ASH’s annual survey covered almost 3,000 children and was conducted by polling company YouGov.

Jeff Stein, a health behaviors researcher at Virginia Tech, received a grant to test a low-cost intervention helping rural residents quit smoking. Less than 1 in 10 smokers succeed in quitting despite knowing the risks. The study will use episodic future thinking to promote healthier choices by focusing on long-term rewards. Participants will receive smoking cessation resources in a remote study, aiming to tailor public health interventions for tobacco use. Stein's research shows promising results in influencing addictive behaviors.

Christian Akiki, Managing Director of Philip Morris Saudi Arabia Trading, says that Saudi consumers are increasingly digitally connected, globally aware, and open to new experiences, influencing market trends. He notes that this shift aligns with Philip Morris International’s strategy of offering smoke‑free products like IQOS, nicotine pouches, and e‑cigarettes. Akiki emphasizes that achieving a smoke‑free future relies on close collaboration with Saudi regulators, especially the SFDA. He also highlights the importance of transparent communication with consumers and leveraging local talent to implement strategies effectively.

A leading public health expert expressed puzzlement over why Western Australia has fallen behind other states in modernizing its illicit tobacco laws. The expert highlighted the clear rise of illegal tobacco outlets in Perth and regional areas, which has increased pressure on authorities to respond. Research has shown that this trade is closely connected to organized crime networks across the country. While other states have implemented stronger, updated legislation to tackle the issue, in WA the responsibility falls on the Health Department to inspect and sanction shops under the Tobacco Control Act 2006. This approach has left the state lagging in enforcement compared with the rest of the nation.

America’s tobacco policy has turned self-destructive. Safer nicotine products are demonized and restricted while combustible cigarettes remain widely available. In this GFN interview, Michelle Minton of the Reason Foundation explains how fear, ideology, and institutional incentives replaced evidence in U.S. tobacco control—pushing consumers back toward smoking and undermining one of the greatest public-health opportunities of our time.

Despite political debate, the most effective way to reduce tobacco-related disease is to help smokers switch to much less harmful alternatives. Instead, the FDA has imposed regulatory barriers that keep safer vaping products off the market. At the same time, traditional cigarettes remain widely available. These outdated regulations work against public health goals. As a result, smokers are denied access to tools that could help them quit and save lives.

A study by University of California San Diego shows California's school-based tobacco prevention program, TUPE, led to 20% lower overall tobacco use and 23% lower vaping among middle and high school students. The program, funded by Proposition 56, provided education and activities that significantly reduced tobacco use rates. TUPE-funded schools saw more prevention education and anti-tobacco activities, contributing to lower tobacco use compared to non-TUPE schools. The findings highlight the importance of investing in effective prevention strategies to safeguard young people from addiction. School-based prevention programs, when combined with strong policies, play a key role in comprehensive tobacco control efforts, offering long-term public health benefits.

The text discusses the author's views on tobacco control, harm reduction, and challenges faced in the field, emphasizing the importance of informed consent, reducing harm, and addressing regulatory complexities. Critiques are made on current tobacco policies, industry practices, and the WHO's stance on harm reduction. The author advocates for harm reduction over harm elimination, acknowledging the need for a new approach to tobacco regulation. A shift towards safer nicotine products is proposed, focusing on informed consent, consumer protection, and adjusting regulations to reduce smoking rates effectively without driving illicit trade. Criticism is directed towards Michael Bloomberg's influence and the limitations of current regulatory frameworks.

Minister of Health Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad warns that laws against tobacco and vaping promotion apply to all, regardless of status. Comedian Shuib Sepahtu was fined RM10,000 for promoting e-cigarettes, setting an important legal precedent. The Health Ministry stresses the importance of influencers and content creators in addressing smoking culture. The government is committed to enforcing regulations equally to tackle rising youth exposure to tobacco and vaping content online.