Asia Harm Reduction Forum's 5th Annual Conference 2022

Nov.30.2022
Asia Harm Reduction Forum's 5th Annual Conference 2022
The 5th Asian Harm Reduction Forum focused on reducing health risks, with experts advocating for safer nicotine products.

The Asia Harm Reduction Forum held its fifth annual conference on October 28, 2022. As a non-profit and interdisciplinary organization, it empowers and charges individuals, communities, and governments to make informed decisions related to health and provides global initiatives for reducing different types of harm. The forum presents the latest perspectives on harm reduction and encourages reductions on a global scale.


To inform the public about the benefits of reducing harmful practices for a healthier lifestyle, leading experts from various fields including decision-making, science, business, and education have presented the latest research and studies, with a particular focus on reducing the harm caused by tobacco.


During the climax of the forum, speakers and leaders in attendance drafted the "2022 Manila Declaration." They called on signatory countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) and representatives of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to follow scientific evidence and reduce the harm caused by tobacco while discouraging its use, and to encourage the use of safer nicotine products as alternatives.


The 10th Conference of Parties (COP10) of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is only a year away from being held in Panama. In this significant global conference, representatives will discuss safer nicotine products and make recommendations.


Nancy Loucas, the executive coordinator of the Asia Pacific Advocacy Network (CAPHRA), has stated that providing false information as "guidance" to signing countries by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and its affiliated organizations is dangerous. Every year, there are 8 million deaths among adults caused by unsafe tobacco products, and the WHO FCTC has failed and is continuing to fail.


The Philippines is providing a platform for discussion, accessibility of information, and forward-thinking legislation, thus continuing to lead the efforts in reducing tobacco harm among its Asian neighbors.


One of the most hotly debated topics during the 2022 Asia Harm Reduction Forum was the passing of Republic Act No. 1190, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. The forum discussed the successful implementation of the regulation at a national level and its impact on domestic consumers.


Robert Ace Barbers, the representative of the 2nd district of Surigao del Norte and a member of the Philippine Congress, played a key role in authoring the "Vape Bill." In a pre-recorded speech, he added to the importance of the event by emphasizing that "the most effective way to reduce harm is through legislation that makes it a national policy." This demonstrated his understanding of the value of decision-making methods that reduce harm.


Meanwhile, Clarisse Virgino, the Philippine representative of the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), praised Philippine legislators for advocating harm reduction in their legislation.


2FIRSTS will continue to report on this topic and provide updates on the "2FIRSTSAPP" platform. Scan the QR code below to download the app.


The e-cigarette law has presented new possibilities for harm reduction alternatives in the country. This is just the first step in creating a healthier and safer environment for everyone. We hope our legislators will continue to seek different ways to reduce harm within their legal authority to protect the welfare of their citizens," said Ms. Virgino.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

2FIRSTS Interviews MK Lab: E-cigarette Users Make Up Less Than 1% in Japan, Demand for Young Consumers and Alternatives Surges
2FIRSTS Interviews MK Lab: E-cigarette Users Make Up Less Than 1% in Japan, Demand for Young Consumers and Alternatives Surges
E-cigarettes account for less than 1% of Japan’s market, but demand among young consumers is rising, and alternatives like nicotine pouches are growing rapidly. 2FIRSTS interviewed MK Lab to explore these trends.
Jul.01
Product | FASTA Nicotine Pouches Launch in U.S. with 22 Pouches per Can and 2 Nicotine Strengths
Product | FASTA Nicotine Pouches Launch in U.S. with 22 Pouches per Can and 2 Nicotine Strengths
A new product, FASTA NICOTINE POUCHES, has recently launched on U.S. vape distributor websites. Available in 6mg and 15mg nicotine strengths and six flavors, each can contains 22 pouches. Produced by UK-based REAZEN TECH LIMITED and marketed as “100% Made in Europe,” the product is currently priced at around $4.99.
May.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
World Tobacco Development Report 2024 (Part III)
World Tobacco Development Report 2024 (Part III)
In 2024, global tobacco companies showed growing differences as the market kept shifting. PMI widened its lead, BAT’s results fell with only nicotine pouches growing, JTI’s sales passed BAT, Altria faced pressure from illegal disposable e-cigarettes, and KT&G led in heated devices at home but relied on PMI to expand abroad.
May.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
AVOTX Clarifies Brand Positioning to 2Firsts: Independently Operated, No OEM/ODM Services
AVOTX Clarifies Brand Positioning to 2Firsts: Independently Operated, No OEM/ODM Services
AVOTX clarified to 2Firsts that it is an independently operated consumer brand and does not offer OEM/ODM services.
Jul.02
UK's leading e-cigarette retailer Totally Wicked acquired, actual controller suspected to be RELX-affiliated company
UK's leading e-cigarette retailer Totally Wicked acquired, actual controller suspected to be RELX-affiliated company
UK's leading e-cigarette retailer Totally Wicked has been acquired by Wittyace UK Holding, which now holds over 75% shares. The newly appointed directors Ying Wang and Chao Lu share identical names with RELX Technology executives Wang Ying and Lu Chao respectively, suggesting potential ties between the acquirer and the Chinese vaping giant. The exact relationship remains to be confirmed.
Jun.27
U.S. – Texas Amends Vaping Bill to Ban E-Cigarettes Containing Ingredients from China or “Hostile Nations”
U.S. – Texas Amends Vaping Bill to Ban E-Cigarettes Containing Ingredients from China or “Hostile Nations”
Texas has amended SB 2024 to ban e-cigarettes containing e-liquids from China or other “hostile nations,” upgrading violations to a Class A misdemeanor. The bill also expands oversight to nicotine-free products and strengthens restrictions on youth-targeted marketing.
Jun.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai