World Medical Association Backs WHO’s Previously Stated Anti-Vaping Position

The World Medical Association (WMA) has joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in warning about the dangers of e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

"This warning comes against the backdrop of the increasing global prevalence of e-cigarettes, especially among young people, and the lack of adequate regulation in many countries," a press release stated.

An Italian publication, Formiche, recently published a report discussing concerns regarding WHO's tobacco control policies and strategies in combating smoking-related diseases.

The report, titled "Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: WHO's Challenges and Prospects," provides a comprehensive overview of the smoking crisis, the limitations of existing tobacco control policies, and the role of harm reduction and non-combustible products. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for innovative strategies and a reassessment of WHO's approach to effectively combat the global smoking epidemic.

The report highlights that the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has failed to consider harm reduction efforts, leading to a deviation from WHO's original stance. Despite FCTC efforts, the number of smokers has remained stable over the past 20 years, with declines in smoking rates offset by population growth.

WMA President Lujain Alqodmani stated that governments urgently need to take action to protect children and adolescents, and the WMA supports WHO's efforts to eliminate nicotine products. She emphasized the "alarming situation" reported by WHO, where 88 countries have not set a minimum age for purchasing e-cigarettes, and 74 countries lack regulation of these harmful products.

The authors of the Formiche report also expressed concerns about the tobacco control policies pursued by many low- and middle-income countries, which account for 18% of the world's smokers, as these policies either completely ban alternative nicotine solutions or treat them the same as cigarettes.

The report notes that the effect of these approaches is that smokers who fail to quit are not supported in turning to potentially lower-risk options. The report states, "It is hoped that the upcoming Conference of the Parties will serve as an opportunity for public health and a moment of dialogue under the spirit of the United Nations, guiding policy choices based on established scientific evidence."