May 2021 Newsletter

The May 2021 issue discusses international and Pakistani developments in tobacco control, vaping, and smoking cessation. The lead article reports that a UK parliamentary group asked the government to challenge the World Health Organization’s opposition to vaping at an international tobacco control meeting. The group argued that harm reduction should remain part of the FCTC and that decisions should be based on science, transparency, and the voices of consumers and former smokers.

The newsletter also reports the dissolution of Pakistan’s Tobacco Control Cell, which was created to coordinate tobacco control efforts under Pakistan’s FCTC obligations. Its closure is presented as a serious setback at a time when tobacco control needs stronger national coordination.

Another section covers the FDA’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The newsletter explains that this move may help reduce health disparities, but it should be supported by public education and continued availability of lower-risk alternatives for adult smokers.

The issue also highlights low motivation to quit smoking in many Asian countries and weak access to cessation services. It says that safer nicotine products may help reduce smoking-related harm if they are included in practical public health strategies.

The final section focuses on Pakistan, where smoking cessation remains poorly addressed. The newsletter calls for an umbrella tobacco control policy, Pakistan-specific research, appropriate taxation of harm-reduced products, and a better regulatory environment.

• The UK parliamentary group called on the government to challenge WHO opposition to vaping.
• The group said tobacco harm reduction should remain part of the FCTC approach.
• The report called for science-based decisions, transparency, and inclusion of experts and consumers.
• Pakistan’s Tobacco Control Cell was dissolved after being created to coordinate tobacco control efforts.
• The newsletter presents the closure of the Tobacco Control Cell as a setback for Pakistan.
• FSFW welcomed the FDA proposal to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
• The issue says lower-risk alternatives should remain available for adult smokers.
• Motivation to quit smoking in Asia is relatively low compared with many other regions.
• Pakistan’s smoking cessation services remain weak and poorly addressed.
• The newsletter recommends a national policy with a dedicated section on harm-reduced products.