Does the Implementation of the FCTC Exclude the People Most Affected by Tobacco?

Tobacco continues to affect the entire planet. According to the World Health Organization , the number of smokers is estimated at 1.1 billion smokers in 2025 if recent trends continue. The WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control , during its tenth Conference of the Parties , is currently examining in Panama the implementation of tobacco control with the 183 member countries of the Convention.Cigarette smoking is spreading even more in middle- and low-income countries.

Based on the human right to health in Article 12, the international law supports a harm reduction approach to tobacco control. By analyzing the right to health as an inalienable right, countries must prioritize the promotion of treatments and products most likely to reduce harm among those who are least able to control their own health behaviors. Harm reduction may then involve the use of new, supposedly less harmful tobacco products.

Indeed, the FCTC emphasizes policy and legislative approaches, but offers little direct help to smokers to overcome their addiction through cessation or harm reduction. From punitive taxation to outright bans, FCTC promotes only a prohibitionist approach without giving any choice to the most affected, the consumers.

Critics fear that any legitimization of these new products"sends the wrong message" about the best way to reduce harm which the only way for them is: quit smoking. Furthermore, critics warn that introducing a new form of nicotine consumption may be attractive to minors and may act as a gateway to conventional cigarettes and encourage former smokers to return to addiction.

Source: Entertainment Trends (entertainmenttrends.net)

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Latest Updates on British American Tobacco, Anglo, Kumba, and AmplatsNick Kunze from Sanlam Private Wealth provides updates on British American Tobacco, Anglo, Kumba, and Amplats. Samukelo Zwane from FNB Wealth and Investments debunks myths about structured products. Simon discusses MultiChoice, Canal+, mandatory offers, and potential changes to the Electronic Communications Act of 2005.
Source: Moneyweb - 🏆 5. / 77 Read more »

ANC Launches Election Manifesto with Little Detail on Policy ImplementationPresident Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the ANC election manifesto, which lacks details on policy implementation, at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Source: mailandguardian - 🏆 2. / 92 Read more »

Gold Leaf Tobacco: SARS claims billions from Sasfin in Rudland money laundering debacleSars alleges that at least R8.2-billion in untaxed funds, linked to Gold Leaf Tobacco, were unlawfully sneaked out of the country over the past decade.
Source: dailymaverick - 🏆 3. / 84 Read more »

New Zealand Repeals Law Raising Legal Age for Buying TobaccoNew Zealand has repealed a law that would have gradually raised the legal age for buying tobacco products. The government aims to reduce smoking through a different regulatory approach.
Source: 2oceansvibe - 🏆 43. / 51 Read more »

The Importance of Strategic Approach in IoT ImplementationBusinesses are realizing that IoT projects need to be approached strategically for maximum value. Strategic IoT implementation involves careful planning, alignment with business goals, and sustained value over time. Tactical IoT projects, on the other hand, focus on short-term gains or immediate needs.
Source: ITWeb - 🏆 45. / 51 Read more »

Smokes and mirrors: How Big Tobacco may have avoided Malawi's taxmanAlliance One may have moved $4.2-million in taxable profits out of the country
Source: mailandguardian - 🏆 2. / 92 Read more »