This publication sets out the WHO Position on tobacco control and harm reduction and provides guidance on the minimum set of regulations to be applied to products, such as nicotine pouches, electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products to protect public health.
The WHO is warning that tobacco and nicotine companies are misappropriating the public health concept of harm reduction while mass marketing harmful products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to the public at large. Genuine harm reduction programmes see health actors and agencies pursuing health objectives by implementing evidence-based strategies and interventions that are tightly controlled and monitored.
According to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General “The use of nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches has expanded rapidly due to aggressive marketing, with bright packaging, sweet flavours, social media influencers, and false claims of “harm reduction”.
Let’s be clear: the companies that make these products are not motivated by harm reduction or health. They are motivated by one thing and one thing only: generating profit for their shareholders.
We also urge governments to expand support for proven cessation methods, including counselling and approved nicotine-replacement therapies.
Together, we can stop another generation from being trapped in addiction and protect the gains we have made in tobacco control.”
WHO Position paper in English
WHO Position paper in Thai
