A recent inquiry report issued by the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for Vaping (APPG) criticized anti-vaping groups funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, for striving to stunt tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The report also highlighted that the WHO should be guided by evidence in recommending policies to its members states, urged the agency to adhere to the original objectives set forth by the FCTC, a commitment to reduce tobacco harm and smoking incidence.
Sadly, the WHO is out of touch with growing evidence on the public health potential of vaping. “Recent recommendations made by the WHO study group on Tobacco Product Regulations would prohibit electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems where the user can control device features and liquid ingredients,” said the APPG in a recent media release.
The UK remains a leader in tobacco harm reduction
On the other hand, the UK is a leader in advocating non-combustible alternatives to cigarettes and the record low smoking rates are a testament to its success. The APPG report said, “The UK has a clearly stated position that vaping is 95-percent safer than combustible tobacco.”
To this effect, BCCP executive director Chris Nelson wrote to the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry, saying that the chamber agrees with the APPG report and emphasized the report’s recommendation to advocate for “risk proportionate, evidence-based regulation in COP 9.”
“We humbly agree with said report that the FCTC should thoroughly be updated to reflect the positive public health opportunity from low-risk nicotine products and any decision by the FCTC that would unduly restrict adult use of vaping and reduced risk nicotine delivery systems must be rejected,” said Nelson.
The Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act
Last May, the House of Representatives for the Republic of the Philippines passed the Non-Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act also known as House Bill 9007, aimed at regulating the sale and manufacture of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Co-authored by 154 in the 300-man chamber for the House, the bill aims to prevent sales to minors.
President of consumer group Vapers PH and CAPHRA member, Peter Dator, highlighted that given that nearly 90,000 Filipinos per year die from smoking-related diseases every year, he believes that most Senators will take into account the importance of these regulations. “This needs to get passed to ensure millions of Filipino smokers continue to have access to safer nicotine products. At the same time, existing vapers must maintain access to their product of choice to keep them from going back to cigarettes,” he said.
Read Further: manila.standard.net
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