The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) today drew attention to a groundbreaking study published in Addiction, which compares the effectiveness of vaping regulations in Australia and New Zealand.
The research has significant implications for tobacco harm reduction policies across the Asia Pacific region.
Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA, stated, “Recent reports from Sweden, Japan, New Zealand, and the UK demonstrate significant reductions in smoking rates, attributed to regulated access to safer nicotine products. These countries have embraced tobacco harm reduction, improving health outcomes for citizens who might otherwise use deadly tobacco products.”
“Both successful harm reduction strategies and restrictive approaches deserve equal attention,” Loucas added. “Delegations should be free to discuss their motivations without reprimand from NGOs and other external parties not responsible for public health policy.”
The organisation points to the recent study published in Addiction, which compared vaping regulations and smoking trends in Australia and New Zealand. The study found that New Zealand’s more liberal approach to vaping was associated with a more rapid decline in adult smoking rates compared to Australia’s restrictive policies.
Loucas stated, “This study provides compelling evidence that embracing tobacco harm reduction through regulated access to safer nicotine products can accelerate the decline in smoking rates. As countries across Asia Pacific grapple with high smoking rates, New Zealand’s success offers a clear model for effective policy.”
CAPHRA calls on governments in the region to consider adopting risk-proportionate regulations that facilitate adult access to safer nicotine alternatives while implementing measures to prevent youth uptake.
CONTACT:
Nancy Loucas,
Executive Coordinator CAPHRA (Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates)
Mobile: +64272348643
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://caphraorg.net/
