The Taxpayers Protection Alliance’s Consumer Center has accused the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) of neglecting scientific evidence and consumer rights in its pursuit of restrictive tobacco control measures. The criticism comes as the global body prepares for its 10th Conference of the Parties (COP) this year.
Martin Cullip, an international fellow at TPA, issued a statement expressing concern over the WHO FCTC’s emphasis on policies known as MPOWER, which primarily rely on restrictions on the supply and demand of tobacco products. Cullip argues that this narrow approach ignores other proven measures that can effectively help smokers quit.
“While the WHO has achieved some success in the past, it is far from effective,” Cullip stated. “Twenty years ago, when the FCTC treaty was first implemented, there were approximately 1 billion smokers worldwide, and this number has not significantly decreased since then.”
Cullip pointed out that despite decades of restrictive tobacco control policies, most countries are not reducing smoking rates fast enough and will likely fail to meet the WHO’s target of a 30% reduction. He believes that the current approach, focused on control and restrictions, has not delivered the intended outcomes.
According to Cullip, international treaties should have three key aims: grow global membership, encourage parties to implement measures consistent with the goals of the treaty, and measure outcomes resulting from its actions. He argues that while the WHO FCTC effectively achieves the first two aims, it falls short on the third one.
“It is the lack of consideration for outcomes that has led many, including former WHO health directors, to declare that its approach is ‘not fit for purpose’,” Cullip stated.
He also criticized the WHO’s shift in focus from tackling the harms of tobacco smoke to fighting nicotine itself. “It appears that reducing death and disease is no longer a priority for them,” he said. “Their approach has shifted to targeting nicotine, which on its own, causes minimal harm, rather than combustible tobacco, which is responsible for countless deaths.”
Cullip attributes the rise in global smoking rates to the WHO’s “anti-scientific position,” which leaves smokers confused and less likely to consider safer alternatives that do not involve burning tobacco.
He also expressed concern over the WHO’s alleged disregard for harm reduction strategies, which aim to reduce harm for those who are unable to quit using tobacco. Cullip noted that the WHO consistently fails to respect article 1(d) of the FCTC, which includes “harm reduction strategies” as one of the main pillars of tobacco control.
“Instead, the WHO continues to promote prohibition,” Cullip stated. “Despite the failure of the war on drugs and other prohibitions in modern history, the WHO persists in waging a war on nicotine. These recommendations distract countries from implementing measures that can improve the lives of their populations.”
Cullip argued that the WHO’s decision-making process excludes public participation and disregards consumer rights, violating the spirit of the Ottawa Charter, which emphasizes individual control over health choices.
“It is long overdue for the WHO FCTC process to listen to the public it is meant to serve,” he stated. “The evidence in favor of harm reduction is mounting, and the WHO cannot continue to ignore stakeholders who are at the heart of this debate.”
Cullip called on the WHO FCTC to consider all approaches in its policy discussions, conduct honest assessments of evidence, and allow for greater public participation to achieve effective tobacco control strategies.
He also suggested that countries explore alternative methods beyond those recommended by the WHO to address their specific smoking challenges.
“Continuing to do the same thing and expecting different results is insanity. The number of smokers will not significantly decrease unless the WHO acknowledges the need for change. Safer nicotine products are not the enemy – it is smoked tobacco,” Cullip concluded.
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Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.