During the 11th session of the Conference of the Parties to the FCTC (November 17-23) in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued strong warnings about the trend of tobacco companies exploiting the concept of "harm reduction" to promote products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and new tobacco and nicotine products, causing confusion in the community.
This contrasts with genuine harm reduction programs in other areas of public health, where health agencies and professionals pursue health goals by implementing evidence-based strategies and interventions that are tightly controlled and monitored.
Notably, the meeting achieved a global commitment to combat the "new wave of tobacco" from more than 1,400 delegates from 162 countries.
With the theme “20 years of change - connecting generations for a tobacco-free future”, COP11 emphasizes that protecting young people from the growing penetration of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and new tobacco and nicotine products is a top global priority.
The Vietnamese delegation attending the meeting agreed with WHO recommendations on the dangers of e-cigarettes and new cigarettes to users' health (Photo: Ministry of Health ).
WHO points out four core strategies being implemented by tobacco corporations:
Deceiving with the language of “harm reduction” self-labeled as “less toxic”, “safer” to appeal to users' psychology.
Focus on eye-catching product design, colors suitable to young people's tastes, using fruit flavors, milk tea, and candy.
Taking advantage of social networks through product review videos , disguised advertising is widespread on platforms with a high percentage of young users, promoting advertising through TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and utilizing famous and influential people (KOLs) to influence young people.
Apply policy pressure, find ways to loosen management, create conditions for business and trade.
WHO therefore recommends that governments can best protect people's health by fully implementing comprehensive tobacco control measures to reduce demand and supply for all tobacco, nicotine and related products.
In addition, educate the community and provide cessation support through proven methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy and toll-free smoking cessation helplines – measures that have been evaluated by competent authorities and proven to be safe and effective.
Ban the sale of products through remote means, including digital platforms commonly used by children and young people, to control the supply chain. Protect public health policies from the influence of commercial interests and groups linked to the tobacco industry...
Dr. Ha Anh Duc - Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management - Director of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund - Head of the Vietnamese delegation attending COP11 affirmed: "Vietnam completely agrees with the WHO's viewpoint. All tobacco products, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and other new tobacco products are harmful and addictive.
As new tobacco products spread rapidly among young people, it is our duty to protect future generations with strong, decisive and evidence-based policies."
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/hon-1400-dai-bieu-toan-cau-cam-ket-chong-lai-lan-song-thuoc-la-moi-20251121083838480.htm
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