The Battle Between Innovation and Bullying Tactics: TAV 7

Aug.12.2022
The Battle Between Innovation and Bullying Tactics: TAV 7
The 7th episode of TAV 7 focuses on the battle between innovation and bullying tactics in reducing tobacco harm.

The seventh episode of "The Advocates' Voice" (TAV 7) is titled "The Battle between Innovation and Bullying Tactics," and is organized by the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA).


The group is composed of public relations experts and medical publishing observer Jena Fetalino, who emphasized that the abuse suffered by advocates of tobacco harm reduction (THR) and the industry reflects only one thing. According to Ms. Fetalino, "This shows that anti-smoking groups no longer have a reason to defend their case and resort to defamation to demonize the smoking industry, nicotine consumers, THR advocates, and the entire THR.


She urged THR advocates around the world not to remain silent but to confront "fake news" head-on. "Their response should be direct, straightforward, and simple so that people can understand the issue, no matter how complicated it may be. Even if attackers choose to focus on areas below the seat belt, we should remain calm, state the facts to provide information, not insults... We should have enough patience to clarify the issue by stating our position, denying inaccurate information, and correcting mistakes." We should have the facts and evidence at our fingertips. In the end, readers will discover what is true," she said.


A new form of attack.


The director of the Pakistan Association of Smoking Alternatives (ASAP) has stated that the reduction of tobacco harm is now facing new attacks. "Once opponents of THR can no longer attack the science, they will turn their focus towards advocates and consumers. These attacks must be based on facts, to expose any flaws in their narrative and to show that you are not an easy target.


The Director of the Thailand Tobacco Control Board (ECST), Asa Saligupta, has stated that the positive results achieved by reducing the harm caused by tobacco are worth the effort. Saligupta said: "If everyone thinks 'why bother doing this, it's too hard,' then nothing will happen... I myself have re-evaluated my own health after quitting smoking and going back to it. I look at my friends, especially my son, who quit smoking with the help of tobacco control efforts... without reducing tobacco harm, it would not be possible. They have prospered because of it.


Finally, Fasalinos emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance when concluding the discussion. He stated that it is necessary to maintain patience while adhering to our principles and moral standards and not yield to blackmail. This is the message he wished to convey.


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