April 2021 Newsletter

The April 2021 issue discusses the public health debate around e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and tobacco harm reduction in low- and middle-income countries. The lead article argues that banning less harmful nicotine alternatives may harm adult smokers who are unable to quit combustible tobacco through traditional tobacco control methods.

The newsletter explains that access to harm reduction products should be treated as a practical public health issue. It questions why less harmful alternatives should be banned while cigarettes remain available. It also highlights India’s large tobacco burden and shows how tobacco use is closely connected with poverty, low education, and serious disease.

The editorial, “Missing Link,” focuses on Pakistan. It says Pakistan’s tobacco control law does not provide for smoking cessation services, leaving smokers without practical help. It calls for a national strategy, better laws, provincial and federal coordination, and policies based on scientific evidence.

The issue also summarizes arguments against blanket bans on nicotine alternatives. It says such bans can create illicit markets, remove the right of smokers to reduce risk, push people back to smoking, and ignore the possible role of safer nicotine products in reducing harm.

Other sections cover the Global Forum on Nicotine 2021, the neglect of smoking among indigenous peoples, and the limited impact of the EU menthol cigarette ban on smoking prevalence.

• The newsletter questions calls for banning e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in low- and middle-income countries.
• The lead article argues that adult smokers should have access to less harmful alternatives.
• The issue says banning nicotine alternatives while cigarettes remain available is not a balanced public health approach.
• The editorial highlights that Pakistan’s tobacco control law does not address smoking cessation services.
• Pakistan needs a national tobacco control strategy based on scientific evidence.
• The newsletter says blanket bans can create illicit markets and push smokers back to cigarettes.
• GFN21 was scheduled for June 17-18 with the theme “The Future for Nicotine.”
• The issue also highlights the lack of data on smoking among indigenous peoples.
• The EU menthol cigarette ban showed limited impact on smoking prevalence.