A coalition of international consumer advocacy groups has submitted a comprehensive response to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, regarding her recent report on harm reduction.
The letter, signed by representatives from CASA Africa, ARDT Iberoamerica, and CAPHRA (Asia Pacific), calls for the recognition of tobacco harm reduction (THR) as a crucial strategy in public health policy.
In their response, the consumer groups emphasise that tobacco harm reduction has its roots in public health, not industry. They highlight the significant consumer demand for safer nicotine products, with over 112 million users worldwide, most if not all, former smokers . The letter points to the success of countries embracing THR, such as the UK, Japan, and New Zealand, which are on track to reach smoking rates below 5% by the end of 2025. Sweden’s achievement of “smoke-free” status, with a smoking rate below 5%, is attributed largely to the widespread use of snus and other safer nicotine products.
The consumer groups also draw attention to the unintended consequences of restrictive policies on safer nicotine products in countries like Australia and India, which have led to thriving black markets, undermining public health goals.
Arguing that denying smokers access to safer alternatives undermines the right to health and personal autonomy, the coalition calls for the UN to apply the same principles of harm reduction to tobacco use as it does to drug use and sexual health.
The letter is supported by a wide range of international consumer organisations and includes an annex of scientific evidence from reputable health institutions supporting the potential of THR to reduce smoking-related harms.
For more information, please contact:
Joseph Magero, Chair CASA Africa: [email protected]
Jeffery Zamora, President ARDT Iberoamerica: [email protected]
Nancy Loucas, Coordinator CAPHRA (Asia Pacific): [email protected]
