Latest news with #NancyLoucas
Scoop
6 days ago
- Health
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New Zealand Following International Success With Proven Harm Reduction
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) welcomes New Zealand's forward-thinking decision to include oral nicotine products as part of its strategy to remain a global leader in achieving a smokefree future. As Professor Robert Beaglehole noted in the NZ Herald on 11 July 'Vaping has helped many – but it's not a silver bullet. We should also consider legalising and regulating synthetic-nicotine pouches, regarded as among the safest alternative products. Already available via the black market, bringing them under regulation would allow for quality control, responsible marketing, and youth safeguards.' Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA, said, 'New Zealand has shown the world what's possible when governments trust science over ideology. Including oral nicotine products in the harm reduction toolkit recognises what Sweden has already proven—these products are particularly effective for people who have struggled with traditional quitting methods.' International experience, especially from Sweden, shows that oral nicotine pouches have helped accelerate smoking declines, particularly among women, who have seen quit rates rise dramatically. Research indicates that nicotine pouches outperform other quit aids, offering a safer, more socially acceptable, and environmentally friendly alternative to cigarettes. In the latest Eurobarometer Report, countries such as Greece and Czechia have also greatly benefitted from the regulation and availability of oral nicotine pouches. While some anti-tobacco activists still favour prohibition, evidence from around the world shows that countries embracing harm reduction see smoking rates drop much faster. 'The pattern is unmistakable: providing alternatives alongside traditional measures delivers the best results. We must not let ideology prevent access to life-saving innovations,' Loucas emphasised. Oral nicotine products are another vital tool in the smokefree toolbox. Just as New Zealand's embrace of vaping alongside traditional cessation methods delivered unprecedented results, oral nicotine products will ensure every smoker has access to the method that works best for them. CAPHRA commends this government's leadership in continuing to explore comprehensive tobacco harm reduction and supports New Zealand's continued evolution as a global leader in evidence-based tobacco control.
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
29-06-2025
- Health
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GFN25 Celebrates Breakthrough Success In Tobacco Harm Reduction As Evidence Mounts Against WHO Opposition
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) celebrates the success of GFN25, the 12th Global Forum on Nicotine, which concluded in Warsaw on 21 June 2025, delivering compelling evidence that tobacco harm reduction continues gaining momentum despite opposition from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The three-day conference, themed "Challenging Perceptions – Effective Communication for Tobacco Harm Reduction," brought together leading scientists, healthcare professionals, and consumer advocates who presented groundbreaking research demonstrating safer nicotine products' effectiveness. Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA, said: "GFN25 has highlighted the scientific evidence supporting tobacco harm reduction is overwhelming, yet the WHO continues its campaign against products that could save millions of lives. Denying smokers access to safer alternatives is a moral failure." Dr Mark Tyndall's keynote address, "What's so scary about tobacco harm reduction?" challenged stigma plaguing tobacco harm reduction policy, drawing parallels between drug harm reduction successes and potential tobacco control outcomes. The conference featured the prestigious Michael Russell Oration and Award ceremony, recognising outstanding contributions to tobacco harm reduction science. The award honoured Fiona Patten, from Australia, whose tireless advocacy for harm reduction was well deserved." Advertisement - scroll to continue reading CAPHRA highlighted how discussions reinforced the importance of consumer voices in tobacco harm reduction. There were multiple consumer sessions for Latin America, central Asia and Eastern Europe highlighting the challenges and opportunities for THR in LMICs. Asa Saligupta, from ECST Thialand, participated in a session on 20 years of FCTC with esteemed experts such as Derek Yach and Tikki Pangestu, both of whom helped craft the original treaty, and are well placed to evaluate its importance and intentions towards THR. This was especially timely mounting evidence, the WHO's Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report focuses exclusively on traditional tobacco control whilst ignoring harm reduction approaches. The WHO's MPOWER framework excludes safer nicotine products, maintaining an abstinence-only approach proven inadequate for millions of smokers. "The WHO's refusal to acknowledge evidence is condemning millions to preventable deaths," said Loucas. "New Zealand has shown what's possible when governments trust science. The WHO's ideological opposition betrays its mission to improve global health." CAPHRA calls on governments to follow scientific evidence from GFN25 and adopt policies prioritising harm reduction alongside traditional tobacco control. Effective tobacco control requires comprehensive approaches including access to safer alternatives for those unable to quit nicotine. "The evidence is clear, the science settled, and the moral imperative undeniable," concluded Loucas. "It's time for the WHO and governments to stop playing politics with people's lives and trust science showing safer nicotine products can end the smoking epidemic."
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.'
Scoop
08-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Australia's Anti-Smoking Push Fuels Crime, Fails To Curb Smoking
New data reveals one in four cigarettes consumed in Australia originates from the black market a direct consequence of the worlds highest tobacco taxes and restrictive vaping policies. The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) today condemned Australia's tobacco control strategy as a 'public health failure' that prioritises ideology over evidence, fuelling a A$6.3 billion illicit tobacco market while adult smoking rates remain stagnant. New data reveals one in four cigarettes consumed in Australia originates from the black market — a direct consequence of the world's highest tobacco taxes and restrictive vaping policies. CAPHRA argues this crisis exposes the fatal flaw in Australia's approach: prohibition without offering safer alternatives drives consumers to criminal networks rather than reducing harm. 'Australia's tobacco policy doesn't pass the pub test. Sky-high cigarette prices haven't made people quit—they've made criminals rich,' said Nancy Loucas, CAPHRA Executive Coordinator. 'The government's own figures show smoking rates flatlined at 11% since 2019 despite taxing a pack to A$50. Meanwhile, organised crime syndicates pocket A$2.3 billion annually in evaded excise, funding drug trafficking and violent turf wars.' Australia's illicit tobacco trade has surged by 46% since 2020, with over 800,000 smuggled cigarettes intercepted monthly at airports. Criminal syndicates increasingly exploit international travellers, while fire bombings of non-compliant retailers exceed 220 incidents since 2023. 'This isn't just about lost tax revenue—it's about community safety,' Loucas noted. 'Melbourne's 'tobacco war' has seen shops torched and innocent bystanders endangered. The government transformed a health issue into a national security crisis by ignoring basic economics: punitive taxes without alternatives breed black markets.' Compounding the issue, Australia's harsh vaping restrictions have pushed nicotine consumers toward unregulated products. Despite prescription-only access, 1.5 million Australians vape daily—87% sourcing devices illegally. CAPHRA contrasts Australia's approach with New Zealand, which halved smoking rates to 6% by legalising vaping and rejecting generational bans. 'New Zealand taxed tobacco heavily but gave smokers a ladder to climb down: affordable, regulated vapes. Australia took away the ladder and wondered why people kept smoking,' said Loucas. Pippa Starr, Director of Australia's ALIVE Advocacy Movement, added: 'The evidence is unequivocal: illicit trade has doubled since 2020, vaping restrictions fuel a A$2.3 billion black market, and smoking rates haven't budged. This isn't harm reduction—it's a policy failure that sacrifices public health for moral posturing.' 'Australia's strategy is a moralistic crusade, not public health. It's time to abandon prohibitionist dogma before more lives are lost to crime and complacency,'
