Latest news with #CAPHRAPhilippines
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
CAPHRA Calls For Evidence-Based Approach In Tobacco Control Policies
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) is encouraging governments and international bodies to prioritise science and evidence in public health policymaking related to tobacco control and nicotine use. Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA, commented, 'Public health policy is most effective when grounded in robust scientific evidence. When decisions are influenced by politics or other non-scientific factors, there is a risk of undermining public trust and missing opportunities to reduce preventable harm.' CAPHRA's recent analysis of global tobacco control efforts points to ongoing challenges in incorporating diverse perspectives into the policymaking process. The organisation noted that during the recent COP10 summit, several harm reduction advocates were not permitted to present evidence on smoke-free alternatives despite growing data supporting their role in helping adults reduce or quit smoking. 'There is a need for greater inclusivity in discussions on tobacco harm reduction,' said Clarisse Virgino, CAPHRA Philippines representative. 'Ensuring that policy reflects current evidence, including independent studies and lived experience, is vital for balanced and effective regulation.' CAPHRA also responded to the World Health Organization's 2025 theme, 'Unmasking Industry Tactics,' expressing concern that conflating consumer advocacy with industry lobbying can hinder meaningful dialogue. The group cited data indicating that an estimated 82 million people globally use vaping as a means of remaining tobacco-free. In the Asia Pacific region, CAPHRA observed inconsistencies between stated public health goals and policy actions. 'It's important that regulatory strategies align with public health objectives and are implemented transparently,' Loucas noted. CAPHRA recommends that countries consider models like that of the United Kingdom, which involves strict regulation of safer nicotine products (SNPs), public education, and the inclusion of consumer input in policy development. 'The global tobacco control effort is evolving, and a fact-based, risk-proportionate approach can contribute meaningfully to reducing tobacco-related disease and death,' Virgino concluded.
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
CAPHRA Releases Report Clarifying The Truth About Nicotine
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has released a new report, Understanding Nicotine: The Facts, Not the Myths, calling for a shift in how nicotine is viewed by public health officials, policymakers, and the general public. The report challenges the common belief that nicotine is the primary cause of smoking-related disease, stating clearly that it is the act of burning tobacco—not the nicotine itself—that causes the most harm. CAPHRA's Executive Coordinator, Nancy Loucas, says the persistent demonisation of nicotine is a barrier to harm reduction and is costing lives. 'Nicotine is not the killer. The danger comes from the smoke,' Clarisse Virgino, CAPHRA Philippines representative, said. 'People deserve to know the truth so they can make informed choices about safer alternatives.' The report explains that while nicotine can lead to dependence, it is a mild stimulant that does not cause cancer, lung disease, or the majority of heart problems often associated with smoking. Products such as nicotine pouches, patches, gums, and ENDS far less harmful than cigarettes and should be part of a harm reduction strategy. CAPHRA warns that misinformation remains widespread. In the U.S., over 60% of smokers wrongly believe nicotine causes cancer—a misconception shared by many healthcare professionals. This confusion, the group argues, prevents smokers from switching to much safer products. The rise in use of safer nicotine alternatives is already helping reduce tobacco-related harm, but continued progress depends on accurate public education and risk-proportionate regulation. Loucas added, 'People aren't going to stop using nicotine, just like they won't stop drinking coffee. The focus should be on reducing the harm, not spreading fear.'
