The World Health Organization, WHO, has called upon its member nations within the global tobacco treaty to take decisive actions, advocating either the prohibition or regulation of the use of e-cigarettes and other emerging products from the tobacco industry for the sake of public health.
This plea was voiced during a virtual media briefing conducted by the Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals, held in anticipation of the 10th Conference of Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Panama.
The National Institutes of Health emphasized e-cigarettes as battery-powered devices that transform liquid into an inhalable vapor. The WHO’s global tobacco treaty is affirmed as an evidence-based accord that upholds the right of all individuals to the highest standard of health.
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Sabina Jacazzi, the Treaty Officer for Legal Affairs at WHO FCTC, clarified that the novel and emerging products of the tobacco industry, including heated tobacco products and Electronic Nicotine and Non-nicotine delivery systems, fall under the category of tobacco products. The Conference of Parties, COP, has previously made decisions regarding these products, confirming that heated tobacco products are subject to the WHO FCTC.
Jacazzi encouraged a thorough examination of the latest scientific evidence and policy recommendations on these products, directing attention to reports by WHO and the Convention Secretariat that will be discussed at COP10, available online.
During the event, experts from around the world, including Akinbode Oluwafemi, the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, emphasized that while global smoking rates are declining, the tobacco industry is employing new strategies to deceive government officials and entrap the public.
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