How can advocates influence the WHO?
Theoretically, the WHO encourages engagement, at least in some areas. For example, in training documents it states that:
Community engagement is central to any public health intervention.
The reality, at least in tobacco control, is very different. Advocates and journalists have been banned from WHO meetings, and at times even the internet has been shut off to prevent communication with the outside world.
Observers are only allowed if they agree with the WHO’s goals. Current observers include NGOs who are funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
However, the key is to remember that policy is formed in conjunction with the members of the WHO. To influence the WHO, advocates need to lobby their governments to represent their interests.
After discussions with politicians in the past, I’m convinced the best way to do this is for individual vapers to speak from the heart and share their stories about how vaping changed their lives.
The UK is an interesting case in point.
The country is currently the largest donor to the WHO and is the most pro-vaping country in the world. Before Brexit, it had to agree a position with the EU. Now, though, the UK can take a direct part in negotiations.
What’s more, the country is ranked the best in the world at resisting tobacco interference and has received awards for its work to reduce worldwide tobacco prevalence.
The country is also a vaping case study, and has seen smoking rates plummet as vaping has gained popularity. It has sensible regulations, carries out an annual review of evidence, and carefully monitors any negative effects from vaping.
This puts the UK in an excellent position to make the case for vaping, and for a sensible balanced approach that balances regulation (to ensure products are safe) with making sure vaping products are available to people currently addicted to smoking.
Those who are willing to purchase e-cigarettes can directly email to contact all stocks, retail or wholesale, can send samples, can be customized, specific details, email: cherry@kfxparts.cn; or contact Skype 86-13123375769 online
