WHO’s prohibitionist stance costs lives, harm reduction experts say
June 16, 2025 by manilastandard.net
WHO’s prohibitionist stance costs lives, harm reduction experts say
Public health advocates criticize the WHO's restrictive stance on innovative nicotine products, stating it endangers smokers who could benefit from safer alternatives. They argue the WHO ignores evidence of harm reduction tools like vapes and heated tobacco being effective in helping smokers quit. Advocates stress the importance of embracing innovation and harm reduction strategies, pointing to successful examples in countries like the UK and Sweden. They highlight the contrast between the WHO's mission to reduce tobacco-related deaths and its resistance to proven cessation methods. The group calls for a shift towards harm reduction policies and consumer engagement to combat the global smoking epidemic effectively.
