Thread by @GlobalStateTHR

The @GlobalStateTHR's response to the @WHO's 8th 'annual report on the #tobacco epidemic' calls out its attempt to distract from years of failure to reduce #smoking with a misguided war on #safernicotine products that are helping smokers quit. 1/
gsthr.org/media/releases…

@WHO The WHO's release celebrates progress of its MPOWER strategy. Yet 1.1 billion people continue to #smoke worldwide and 8 million lives are lost annually to #smoking-related disease, figures that have remained static for two decades. This is not success.
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@WHO Even progress on MPOWER is underwhelming. 41 of the 49 countries that have not implemented a single MPOWER measure are LMIC - home to 80 per cent of the world’s smokers. 3/

@WHO With this latest release, the WHO has again ramped up its campaign against #safernicotine products. By calling for states to enact bans or restrictive policies, WHO Director-General @drtedros obscures the role of #vaping as a reduced harm alternative to #smoking. 4/

@WHO @DrTedros Vaping is recognised by @PHE_uk as at least 95 per cent safer than smoking. @GlobalStateTHR data shows that 36 countries have banned vaping devices, 39 have banned snus and 14 countries have banned heated tobacco products. 5/
gsthr.org/countries

@WHO @DrTedros @PHE_uk How many countries currently ban the sale of combustible #cigarettes, which are known to kill at least half of all users? Zero.
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gsthr.org/faq/frequently…

@WHO @DrTedros @PHE_uk @gerrystimson of the @GlobalStateTHR said:
"The WHO’s self-congratulatory focus on strategy over outcomes indicates the lack of ambition underpinning the #tobaccocontrol establishment. This report offers no surprises and no hope for 1.1 billion #smokers, who deserve better."

@WHO @DrTedros @PHE_uk @GerryStimson @gerrystimson: “That the WHO is now seeking to re-energise lacklustre #tobaccocontrol efforts by encouraging nation states to enact bans or overly restrictive policies on #safernicotine products is both irresponsible and illogical." 8/

@WHO @DrTedros @PHE_uk @GerryStimson @GerryStimson: "This will lead to millions continuing to smoke, millions continuing to die prematurely, and millions more cigarettes being sold.”
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@WHO @DrTedros @PHE_uk @GerryStimson Prof @gerrystimson: The @WHO's unwarranted and misguided mission creep towards a ‘war on #nicotine’ must stop. #Harmreduction, as named in the FCTC itself, must be instated as a core #tobaccocontrol strategy, taking its place alongside efforts to reduce demand and supply.” 10/10