The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) is calling for the inclusion of consumer voices
in the decision-making process around tobacco harm reduction policies. CAPHRA believes that the experiences and
perspectives of consumers are crucial in shaping effective and sustainable policies that can significantly reduce the
harm caused by combustible tobacco products.
CAPHRA's call comes in the wake of recent regulatory developments in countries like Thailand, the Philippines, and New
Zealand.
“While these countries have made significant strides in implementing tobacco control policies, a focus on harm reduction
strategies to reduce smoking rates will lead to even greater strides to improve public health,” said Nancy Loucas, a
public health policy expert and passionate advocate for tobacco harm reduction and executive coordinator of CAPHRA.
In Thailand, there is a growing recognition of the need to lift the ban on vaping and to view it as a health issue
rather than a social one. The establishment of a subcommittee and the development of draft regulations are seen as
positive steps towards this goal says CAPHRA.
In the Philippines, the focus is on enforcement due to the size of the illicit market. The Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) has jurisdiction for regulatory developments around nicotine salts and freebase nicotine, and changes to
tax rates are being considered.
In New Zealand, the new coalition government is committed to reversing the regulatory overreach of the previous
government by repealing three key amendments of the Smokefree Environments Act. The country's success in reducing daily
smoking rates from 9.29 to 6.89 over the past few years is a testament to the effectiveness of tobacco harm reduction
policies.
CAPHRA believes that these developments underscore the need for a more inclusive approach to policy-making. "To make the
best decisions around tobacco harm reduction and safer nicotine products, we strongly urge elected representatives to
include the voices of consumers in their decision-making process," says Ms Loucas.
CAPHRA's advocacy is backed by research showing that the perceived credibility of the organization delivering a message
is an important component of an effective communication strategy. By including consumers in the conversation,
policy-makers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and develop more effective strategies
for tobacco harm reduction.
CAPHRA is committed to continuing its advocacy for consumer inclusion and tobacco harm reduction policies. The
organization believes that these efforts can lead to significant improvements in public health and save lives.