100 specialists in nicotine science, policy and practice have come together to call on the 182 parties (countries) to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to take a more positive stance on tobacco harm reduction.
The letter pushes back against WHO’s misguided and unscientific drive for prohibition or excessive regulation and taxation of vaping products, heated and smokeless tobacco products, and novel oral nicotine products, such as pouches.
From 8-13 November 2021, the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP-9) will be held online. The meeting details are here.
The letter makes seven main points relevant to FCTC parties and then six recommendations. The letter text must speak for itself.
Several signatories have made statements on the letter, or on WHO’s approach to tobacco harm reduction and innovation. These are set out here.
The letter text, references and signature list are included below in English:
Heads of Delegation
Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Ninth Conference of the Parties, 8-13 November 2021
Clive Bates – The Counterfactual – 2021-10-18.