Latest news with #VitalStrategies
The Star
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
When avatars smoke
WHILE smoking worldwide has been in decline for much of the last 20 years, the most recent trend lines point to a flattening of cigarette sales. This is mainly because sales among youth, especially young women, are increasing in a substantial number of countries, says global health advocate Dr Mary-Ann Etiebet. Billions are being spent by the industry on longstanding practices like political lobbying and campaign contributions, as well as the production of colourful, flavoured e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (HTPs) and nicotine pouches, to hook youngsters to nicotine, added the Vital Strategies president and CEO when met at the WHO World Conference on Tobacco Control (WCTC). Drawing on data from the Tobacco Enforcement and Reporting Movement (TERM), Vital Strategies researchers revealed the growing presence of tobacco products in emerging digital spaces including the meta-verse, advergaming, and Ts. The study highlighted how brands are leveraging on immersive technologies – such as virtual concerts, branded avatars, and digital storefronts – to promote tobacco products, often targeting youth in every corner of the Internet where regulations are weakest. 'As digital platforms become the primary spaces where young people learn, socialise, and play, we urgently need coordinated international action to modernise safeguards and close regulatory gaps before a new generation is exposed to harm,' said behavioural scientist and Vital Strategies vice president Dr Nandita Murukutla. Marketing in the metaverse Nandita, who led the creation of Canary, a digital surveillance platform that monitors online marketing of harmful products, said of particular concern is that the spaces targeted, including immersive virtual events, gaming and immersive platforms, are overwhelmingly full of young audiences and influencer-driven content that promotes tobacco in subtle, engaging ways. 'Policymakers often lament, 'We see it online but it's gone and we have no proof how to address it'. They needed proof to stop online marketing which was what led to Canary. Our goal is to identify emerging threats before they become big problems,' she said, adding that the organisation has been monitoring these digital spaces in India, Mexico and Indonesia, but hopes to expand its work if resources permit. Nandita: As digital platforms become the primary social space for young people,we urgently need coordinated international action to modernise safeguards. Brand extension strategies, for example perfumes with a tobacco product brand, is being widely used to ensure that vapes and HTP brands are visible, she said. Online, influencers are being paid to talk about the tobacco products they are using to 'educate' their young followers on what to use and how to use it. 'We are also seeing lots of glamourised lifestyle promotions on immersive digital platforms with cool, tech-forward images, and calls on users to create avatars of themselves in the metaverse so there is actual engagement via technology between the youth and industry. 'By getting youth into the metaverse, where smoking bans do not apply, the use of tobacco products is promoted and normalised. 'Even online gaming platforms are being used to promote tobacco products,' Nandita said. The digital space is growing as a tobacco trap for youth and women. Brand affiliation with community groups particularly in popular sports like football and badminton, and in entertainment events, are also ways youth are being drawn in to tobacco use, she added. Meanwhile, women are targeted via corporate social responsibility programmes and special events like Women's Day and Mothers Day. Where's the outrage? There's been so much anger over kids being bullied online yet there is no outrage when the very same population is being sold harmful tobacco products online, lamented Nandita. 'It's shocking. Why are parents and the public not upset and demanding more action? 'It's because they don't know how much digital marketing is going on online. 'There needs to be greater advocacy and education of the general population,' she said. A new global analysis by the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) on data from 2012 to 2021 reveals alarming levels of youth exposure to tobacco marketing across 119 countries. Conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation, CDC's Office on Smoking and Health, and Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, the study presented at the recent World Conference on Tobacco Control, highlighted the persistent global influence of tobacco industry tactics on adolescents aged between 13 and 15. 'Our findings revealed that far too many young people around the world continue to be exposed to harmful tobacco marketing tactics – exposure that risks initiating a new generation into tobacco use,' said CDC Foundation programme officer and evaluation specialist Adriana Dragicevic. The results underscore the urgent need for stronger enforcement of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), particularly Article 13, which calls for a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, to shield young people. Regulations work Where there are good regulations, there are lower volumes of marketing and the nature of marketing changes, Nandita noted. And where there are strong laws, the marketing through third party retailers and brand affiliate groups, brand extensions, and community marketing, becomes much more indirect. 'Governments need the capacity to monitor these insidious campaigns and this is where working with civil society groups like ours become vital to flag and remove these online advertisements. 'As Malaysia is rolling out enforcement (of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024), an inter-ministerial framework is crucial because jurisdiction will often lie outside of the Health Ministry. 'The authorities responsible and the processes (of implementation) must be clear,' she said, adding that the WHO guideline on digital marketing regulations would prove useful. It's a fallacy to claim that because promotional and marketing activities are being done online, governments are helpless to act, she pointed out. What's important is to have a regulatory framework, enforcement mechanisms and efforts to create social norms that reinforce the regulations. 'For example, now when the public sees someone puffing in no-smoking areas, they know that it's unacceptable and they will tell the smoker to put out the cigarette. 'Having paper regulations alone is not enough to ensure effective implementation but it is an important starting point,' she stressed, highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation for the respective nations to implement their regulations and the FCTC, particularly in relation to digital marketing. Health taxes, said Dr Etiebet, remain one of the most effective, yet underutilised strategies to save lives, strengthen economies and generate new government revenue. 'Public health proponents are calling on countries to urgently adopt health taxes on harmful commodities,' she said, sharing how a new tool from Vital Strategies, Economics for Health at Johns Hopkins University, and American Cancer Society, can support countries in their efforts to estimate the tax revenue gain possible depending on different potential tax scenarios. Released on June 17, the Cost Recovery and Revenue Estimator (CoRRE) is an interactive data modeling tool that builds country-by-country scenarios to demonstrate how tobacco taxes generate millions in revenue and can help countries recover millions in smoking-related costs to realise the 'triple win' of saving lives, reducing health care costs and generating revenue, she said. Vital Strategies works with governments and civil society organisations around the world to support tobacco control initiatives that are aligned with the World Health Organisation (WHO) FCTC and MPOWER tobacco reduction measures. All interviewees featured were participants of the WHO World Conference on Tobacco Control (WCTC). Held from June 23 to 25 in Dublin, Ireland, the three-day conference was organised by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Held from June 23 to 25, the WCTC serves as a pivotal gathering for tobacco control experts, policymakers, and advocates from around the globe. — Photos by International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Indian Express
18-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
New interactive data modelling tool shows economic, health gains of raising tobacco taxes
A new, interactive modelling tool demonstrates how countries can use tobacco taxes to quickly generate millions in new revenue, reduce smoking, increase economic productivity and recover millions in healthcare expenses on treatment of smoking-related illnesses. The Cost Recovery and Revenue Estimator (CoRRE) uses recent data from more than 100 countries to estimate the tax revenue gain possible depending on different potential tax scenarios. At a webinar held on Tuesday, Jeffrey Drope, director of the Economics for Health team at Johns Hopkins University, and Nigar Nargis, senior scientific director, American Cancer Society provided an overview of current trends in tobacco control and a demonstration of the interactive modelling tool. Developed by Vital Strategies, American Cancer Society and the Economics for Health team at Johns Hopkins University, CoRRE is designed for the public health community, advocates and policymakers to assess the economic and health gains possible by raising tax on tobacco products. 'Decades of research shows that these tax reforms consistently raise considerable new tax revenues while saving lives and generally making societies healthier, including driving down the incidence of multiple cancers, among many other noncommunicable diseases,' Nargis said while responding to queries. CoRRE was developed as part of the latest edition of The Tobacco Atlas, which also provides in-depth analysis on tobacco use prevalence, taxes and many other tobacco control policies and programmes around the world. Experts also strongly advocated for tobacco taxes as one of the most effective—yet underutilised—strategies to prevent tobacco initiation, encourage cessation, and reduce overall tobacco use. Drope observed that the annual cost of tobacco use is staggering. 'Eight million lives are lost each year globally and around $2 trillion in economic damage – much of that from the average of 11 years of life that smokers lose. This means lower economic productivity,' he said during the webinar. As per The Tobacco Atlas, 8.9 per cent of all deaths in India are caused by tobacco use. The economic cost of smoking and tobacco use in India is approximately Rs 1.97 lakh crore each year. This includes direct costs related to healthcare expenditures and indirect costs related to lost productivity caused by illness and premature death. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs415 billion in losses raise alarms over tobacco enforcement
While regulators tighten the noose around Pakistan's formal tobacco sector, the real threat is expanding in plain sight. Illicit cigarette brands—untaxed, unregulated, and widely available—have captured more than half the market. They pay nothing, follow no rules, and yet continue to grow. The law is chasing what is visible, not what is dangerous. The formal industry, despite contributing nearly Rs270 billion in taxes each year, now controls only 46 percent of the market. The remaining share belongs to illegal operators selling cigarettes at a fraction of legal prices. This thriving black market is causing an annual loss of over Rs415 billion revenue that could have supported healthcare, education, or debt relief. Instead, it is being lost to unchecked trade networks and lack of enforcement. Much of the blame lies with those who claimed to champion public health. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies ran campaigns targeting the regulated industry while staying silent on the illicit trade that now dominates the market. Last year, the government shut down both INGOs for operating without registration, funding local entities without approvals, and engaging in policy circles unlawfully. Their work, once seen as advocacy, is now under scrutiny for policy interference and regulatory evasion. 'This is not about tobacco anymore,' said Fawad Khan, spokesperson for Mustehkam Pakistan. 'It is about survival. When lawbreakers take over the market and face no consequences, the whole system starts to collapse. We are rewarding the illegal and punishing the legal—and everyone in the country is paying for it.' At the same time, the IMF continues to push Pakistan to broaden its tax base and reduce leakages. But fiscal targets cannot be met if entire sectors remain outside the net. Experts argue that unless enforcement expands to include illegal trade, even the most disciplined revenue policies will fall short. The issue is no longer about raising taxes—it is about applying them fairly.
Cision Canada
03-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
FIFA Under Pressure to Kick Big Soda Out Amid Health Backlash
Global health leaders call foul on Coca-Cola's role in the world's game NEW YORK, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- A powerful coalition of global health experts and advocates is calling on FIFA to end its decades-long partnership with Coca-Cola, accusing the company of "sportswashing" the health harms linked to its sugary drinks. The Kick Big Soda Out campaign highlights how Coca-Cola's sponsorship directly undermines FIFA's stated commitments to health and fair play. Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, campaigners are urging immediate action to protect fans—especially children—from misleading brand associations. Kick Big Soda Out gained global momentum during the 2024 Paris Olympics, with more than 255,000 petition signatories and 93 organizations calling on the International Olympic Committee to end its Coca-Cola partnership. However, a Vital Strategies report found 78% of media coverage framed Coca-Cola's sponsorship in a favorable light, emphasizing its brand promotion, shared values or economic benefits, while only 2% of articles criticized the partnership as a primary theme—citing concerns like exploitation, health risks or unethical practices. "FIFA claims to champion health, but its deep ties with Coca-Cola say otherwise," said Trish Cotter, Vital Strategies. "By giving Coca-Cola a platform across stadiums, broadcasts and social media, FIFA is promoting a product linked to rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This is blatant 'sportswashing,' and it erodes both public health and FIFA's credibility." Now, football fans and advocates are demanding FIFA end its partnership with Coca-Cola in the second wave of Kick Big Soda Out across YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. "FIFA can choose to protect the integrity of football, rather than continue to give corporations an unparalleled opportunity to sanitize their image," said Dr. Simón Barquera, President, World Obesity Federation. "By rejecting Big Soda, FIFA can finally practice what it preaches." Kick Big Soda Out spotlights mounting global evidence associating excess sugar consumption with noncommunicable diseases. In low-income countries—where these conditions are rising at alarming rates—Big Soda aggressively markets sugary drinks to millions of consumers. "This is a decisive moment for FIFA. Big Soda advertising encourages unhealthy choices among children. Restricting marketing is essential to support children's health and wellbeing," said Carolina Piñeros, Red PaPaz. Supporters can join the movement demanding FIFA end its Coca-Cola partnership at and use #KickBigSodaOutofSport to join the conversation.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FIFA Under Pressure to Kick Big Soda Out Amid Health Backlash
Global health leaders call foul on Coca-Cola's role in the world's game NEW YORK, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- A powerful coalition of global health experts and advocates is calling on FIFA to end its decades-long partnership with Coca-Cola, accusing the company of "sportswashing" the health harms linked to its sugary drinks. The Kick Big Soda Out campaign highlights how Coca-Cola's sponsorship directly undermines FIFA's stated commitments to health and fair play. Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, campaigners are urging immediate action to protect fans—especially children—from misleading brand associations. Kick Big Soda Out gained global momentum during the 2024 Paris Olympics, with more than 255,000 petition signatories and 93 organizations calling on the International Olympic Committee to end its Coca-Cola partnership. However, a Vital Strategies report found 78% of media coverage framed Coca-Cola's sponsorship in a favorable light, emphasizing its brand promotion, shared values or economic benefits, while only 2% of articles criticized the partnership as a primary theme—citing concerns like exploitation, health risks or unethical practices. "FIFA claims to champion health, but its deep ties with Coca-Cola say otherwise," said Trish Cotter, Vital Strategies. "By giving Coca-Cola a platform across stadiums, broadcasts and social media, FIFA is promoting a product linked to rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This is blatant 'sportswashing,' and it erodes both public health and FIFA's credibility." Now, football fans and advocates are demanding FIFA end its partnership with Coca-Cola in the second wave of Kick Big Soda Out across YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. "FIFA can choose to protect the integrity of football, rather than continue to give corporations an unparalleled opportunity to sanitize their image," said Dr. Simón Barquera, President, World Obesity Federation. "By rejecting Big Soda, FIFA can finally practice what it preaches." Kick Big Soda Out spotlights mounting global evidence associating excess sugar consumption with noncommunicable diseases. In low-income countries—where these conditions are rising at alarming rates—Big Soda aggressively markets sugary drinks to millions of consumers. "This is a decisive moment for FIFA. Big Soda advertising encourages unhealthy choices among children. Restricting marketing is essential to support children's health and wellbeing," said Carolina Piñeros, Red PaPaz. Supporters can join the movement demanding FIFA end its Coca-Cola partnership at and use #KickBigSodaOutofSport to join the conversation. Media Contact: Rachel Burns, rburns@ View original content: SOURCE Vital Strategies View original content:
