Barbados can shape the future of tobacco control

Barbados has made strides in reducing smoking rates but can do more, especially in addressing gender disparities. Ahead of COP11, the country can advocate for smarter tobacco policies based on harm reduction, such as vaping and nicotine pouches. Evidence shows harm reduction effectively lowers smoking rates, but global institutions often overlook it. Barbados should assert its leadership by pushing for a dedicated tobacco harm reduction working group at COP11. By prioritizing people's health over politics, Barbados can lead the way towards a smoke-free nation and set an example for other smaller countries. The time is now for Barbados to act decisively in supporting harm reduction and advocating for transparent, evidence-based tobacco control measures.