The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is spearheading a panel discussion in collaboration with the Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw, Poland. The focus of this discussion is the urgent need for reform within the World Health Organization (WHO) and its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). According to consumer advocates, these taxpayer-funded bodies have been ineffective due to politicized policymaking, lack of transparency, and insufficient consideration of consumer perspectives.
Criticism of international health institutions has increased recently, particularly regarding WHO’s pandemic response and broader governance issues. The FCTC faces similar scrutiny as smoking rates remain unchanged in many areas, prompting calls for a reevaluation of its strategies.
Martin Cullip, TPA International Fellow, stated that WHO policies are not meeting their objectives. “The FCTC has become a political instrument rather than a science-based treaty. If the WHO is serious about reform, the FCTC must be radically overhauled.”
Ignacio Leiva from ASOVAPE in Chile emphasized the importance of including consumer voices. “In Chile, including consumer voices helped us pass a law that recognizes the difference between smoking and vaping. That’s exactly what the FCTC needs. Evidence-based policymaking built on dialogue, not dogma.”
Nancy Loucas highlighted how current WHO policies affect low and middle-income countries negatively. “The WHO’s policy shift against tobacco harm reduction ignores decades of evidence and disproportionately punishes low and middle-income countries. This isn’t public health; it’s health inequality.”
Maria Papaioannoy from Rights 4 Vapers in Canada stressed countering misinformation about safer nicotine products: “Consumers have voices, and it’s time they were heard at FCTC COP11.”
Tom Gleeson from New Nicotine Alliance Ireland called for reforms based on evidence: “The FCTC hasn’t adapted since 2005 to account for safer nicotine products,” he said.
The panel concluded by urging reforms focused on transparency, scientific integrity, and consumer inclusion while moving away from ideological approaches.
For interviews with harm reduction experts or more information about previous webinars featuring experts from TPA, contact Kara Zupkus at [email protected].
