On Monday, January 22nd, 2024, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance’s Consumer Center released a statement accusing the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) of disregarding science and consumer rights in its pursuit of restrictive tobacco control measures. This statement comes as the global body prepares for its 10th Conference of the Parties (COP) later this year.
In the statement, Martin Cullip, an international fellow at TPA, criticized the WHO FCTC’s focus on policies known as MPOWER, which rely solely on restrictions on the supply and demand of tobacco products. Cullip argues that this approach ignores other proven measures to help smokers quit and has ultimately been ineffective in reducing smoking rates globally.
Despite the WHO’s efforts over the past two decades, Cullip notes that there are still approximately 1 billion smokers worldwide and the number is not decreasing significantly. He believes that the current approach of focusing on control and restrictions has not delivered on its intended outcomes and is not fit for purpose.
Cullip also raised concerns about the WHO’s shifting focus from tackling the harms of tobacco smoke to fighting nicotine itself. He argues that this approach disregards the goal of reducing death and disease and instead targets a substance that, on its own, causes minimal harm. Cullip blames this “anti-scientific position” for the rise in global smoking rates and believes it leaves smokers confused and less likely to consider safer alternatives.
Furthermore, Cullip criticizes the WHO’s alleged disregard for harm reduction strategies, which aim to reduce harm for those who continue to use tobacco. He points out that the WHO has consistently failed to respect article 1(d) of the FCTC, which includes harm reduction strategies as one of the main pillars of tobacco control. Instead, the WHO promotes prohibition, which Cullip argues has been unsuccessful in the past and distracts countries from implementing more effective measures.
Cullip also highlights the WHO’s lack of public participation in their process and disregard for consumer rights. He believes this violates the spirit of the Ottawa Charter, which emphasizes individual control over health choices. Cullip calls on the WHO FCTC to embrace all approaches in its policy discussions, honestly assess evidence, and allow for greater public participation to achieve effective tobacco control strategies.
In conclusion, Cullip urges countries to explore alternative methods beyond those dictated by the WHO to address their individual smoking challenges. He states, “Keeping doing more of the same and hoping for a different outcome is insanity. The number of smokers won’t go meaningfully down unless the WHO recognizes that a change is needed. Safer nicotine products are not the enemy, it is smoked tobacco.” The statement ends with a call for the WHO FCTC to listen to the public it is supposed to serve and to consider all approaches in their efforts to reduce smoking rates globally.
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
