Consumers of safer nicotine alternatives feel increasingly marginalized as their needs are being ignored by the very agencies which are meant to be safeguarding them. Many face restricted access, misinformation, and stigmatization, leaving them frustrated with their backs against the wall. Given that these products are critical for their smoking cessation journeys and/or harm reduction, sweeping bans and limited availability often push them toward riskier options, worsening their sense of abandonment.
In Europe, over 100,000 consumers have united to demand protection for vaping and the promotion of harm reduction policies across the EU. This initiative comes as Sweden nears its goal of becoming the first smoke-free nation, highlighting the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies. While in contrast, EU measures such as flavour bans, outdoor vaping restrictions, nicotine pouch regulations, and increased taxation pose risks to these public health advancements.
On November 21, 2024, the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) who is leading this advocacy movement, reiterated that the proposed EU measures, could reverse any smoking cessation progress by pushing individuals back to smoking, rather than encouraging safer alternatives like vaping. WVA director Michael Landl, described these measures as a “public health disaster,” emphasizing the need for the EU to prioritize policies rooted in scientific evidence. He urged policymakers to listen to the needs of consumers asking for the availability of harm reduction tools.
In fact, while Sweden’s progressive harm reduction approach has reduced its smoking rate to just over 5%, the EU is projected to achieve a smoke-free status by 2100, lagging 60 years behind Sweden’s achievement. To align with Sweden’s success and accelerate progress toward a smoke-free future, THR experts recommend preserving vape flavours to support cessation efforts, avoiding harsh regulations that discourage harm reduction, and ensuring consumer access to safer alternatives to smoking.
The WHO’s FCTC goes against the agency’s own principles
CAPHRA argues that aligning the conference with human rights principles and evidence-based policymaking necessitates involving consumer groups in discussions about tobacco control policies. CAPHRA’s Executive Coordinator, Nancy Loucas, emphasized the need for a human rights-focused approach that considers the entire lifecycle of tobacco products, from production to consumption. She stressed that engaging all stakeholders, including consumers, is essential to strengthen policy formulation and implementation effectively.
The group refers to the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office’s report, which underscores the importance of civil society in advancing tobacco control. The report identifies civil society’s pivotal role in initiating, sustaining, and leading efforts to improve public health. According to Loucas, consumer advocacy groups can hold both governments and industries accountable in ways bureaucratic systems cannot, and their exclusion from COP11 contradicts the WHO’s stated commitment of engaging civil society.
CAPHRA is calling on the WHO FCTC Secretariat to take the following steps:
- Invite consumer advocacy groups as official observers at COP11.
- Create dedicated sessions for civil society contributions during the conference.
- Establish an ongoing consultation mechanism for consumer input between COP meetings.
The organization highlighted evidence showing the success of tobacco harm reduction strategies, such as vaping, in helping millions quit smoking. Including consumer perspectives would ensure policies are grounded in real-world experiences and impacts. “The WHO cannot claim to uphold human rights while excluding the voices of those most affected by their policies. It’s time to honor their commitment to civil society engagement by allowing consumers to participate meaningfully in COP11,” concluded Loucas.
