The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging member nations of its global tobacco treaty to either ban or regulate the use of e-cigarettes and other novel products emerging from the tobacco industry in the interest of public health. This call was emphasized during a virtual media briefing held by the Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals regarding the global tobacco treaty.

E-cigarettes, identified as battery-powered devices that heat liquid into inhale-able vapor, were highlighted by the National Institutes of Health. The WHO’s global tobacco treaty is considered an evidence-based agreement that upholds the right of all individuals to the highest standard of health.

The briefing took place in preparation for the 10th Conference of Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Panama. Sabina Jacazzi, the Treaty Officer for Legal Affairs at WHO FCTC, clarified that the novel and emerging products of the tobacco industry, including heated tobacco products and Electronic Nicotine and Non-nicotine delivery systems, are categorized as tobacco products.

She emphasized that decisions regarding novel and emerging tobacco products, including Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), have been adopted by the COP, affirming their status as tobacco products subject to WHO FCTC regulations. Jacazzi encouraged a thorough review of the latest scientific evidence and policy recommendations available online, which will be considered at COP10.

The briefing also featured contributions from global experts, including Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa. Oluwafemi highlighted a global decline in smoking based on recent data but expressed concerns about new tactics employed by the tobacco industry to deceive government officials and manipulate public perception.

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