The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR) has released a new briefing paper, which should be alarming to the
New Zealand Government delegation about to head off to the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control COP10 meeting
in Panama.
“These Government officials need to be aware of the potential negative implications of their support of decisions taken
at the FCTC COP10 on the future of safer nicotine products,” said Nancy Loucas, a public health policy expert and
passionate advocate for tobacco harm reduction and executive coordinator of CAPHRA.
“The analysis by GSTHR confirms that these decisions will be highly significant in determining the future of these
products, which are remarkably absent from the proceedings,” said Ms Loucas.
The briefing paper, titled "The FCTC COP10 Agenda and Supporting Documents: Implications for the Future of Tobacco Harm
Reduction" reveals that safer nicotine products are being presented as a threat to tobacco control, rather than a tool
to support a switch from smoking and reduce high-risk tobacco use.
"Safer nicotine products have the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against tobacco-related harm," said Ms
Loucas. "However, the current narrative at the FCTC COP10 is not reflecting this potential. Instead, these products are
being viewed as a threat, which could have serious implications for public health."
The issue of safer nicotine products is so important, the Asia Harm Reduction Forum being held this week in Manila,
Philippines, will be discussing the GSTHR Paper alongside cutting-edge research and studies on tobacco harm reduction.
CAPHRA is urging governments and policymakers to consider the evidence presented in the briefing paper and to recognise
the potential of safer nicotine products as a tool for harm reduction.
"Decisions taken at the FCTC COP10 will shape the future of tobacco harm reduction," Ms Loucas added. "We urge all
stakeholders to consider the evidence and to make decisions that prioritise public health and harm reduction – consumers
lives are at stake."