Razón Autonomía Derecho A.C, RAUDER, a non-profit civil association that advocates for human rights, personal autonomy, and the free development of personality, organized the “2nd Latin American Nicotine and Risk Reduction Forum: Science, Regulation, and Activism” in Panama City. The main objective of this forum was to analyze and discuss the vital role of reduced-risk alternatives in the fight against tobacco.
The event brought together legislators, experts, doctors, scientists, and activists from across the world. They emphasized the significance of developing public policies that aim to reduce harm while respecting human rights. Participants called for a humane and effective approach that respects consumers’ rights and provides safe, science-based regulated options.
The forum included a discussion of different perspectives around studies and relevant practices from various countries. Experts highlighted the benefits of alternatives such as vapor products that can significantly contribute to harm reduction in smoking. They also pointed out that the prohibition of these products in countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Panama has led to an increase in illegal trade and limits smokers’ options to access safer alternatives.
“It is essential to recognize and regulate vapor products as reduced-risk alternatives. Prohibition not only prevents smokers from legal options but drives the black market, and gives easier access to minors, besides, all the other negative consequences that it implies,” explained Rafael Lara Liy, RAUDER’s director.
Doctor Marina Hoyo, a forum’s panelist, said: “As health professionals, we have a responsibility to stay up to date, analyze, understand, and question the evidence. But we also need to approach our patient care from a position of empathy towards people seeking to improve their health. That’s why we must consider alternatives that reduce risks. This is the foundation of a therapeutic bond that aims to truly help the individual and not stigmatize them, but rather try to alleviate their condition.”
Víctor Manuel Salcedo, member of the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia, explained: “Whenever there is a health risk, regulation is necessary. We, as legislators, have the responsibility to act immediately. Our experience indicates that we should regulate, but not prohibit.”
The case of other countries, such as Brazil, was also discussed. In Brazil, the ban on vapor products since 2009 has led to an uncontrolled and unsanitary illegal market, affecting millions of smokers, according to Juan José Cirión Lee, President of the organization “México y el Mundo Vapeando.” We urge the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) not to miss the opportunity to regulate alternative nicotine consumption products, considering their potential for risk reduction and respect for human rights,” he added.
Studies show a significant reduction in smoking rates through reduced-risk alternatives. “The results of studies in Sweden are a clear example of what can be achieved with reduced-risk alternatives. In just 15 years, Sweden has reduced its smoking rates from 15% to 5.6% and has achieved a mortality rate from tobacco-related diseases 39.6% lower than the EU average. This success is attributed to the accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of safer alternatives, combined with balanced regulations and awareness campaigns,” explained Roberto Sussman, Researcher at the UNAM Institute of Nuclear Sciences in Mexico.
An online petition has been created by RAUDER to enhance the collective voice in support of human rights, health, and legal availability of nicotine alternatives. Anyone who is interested in signing the petition or supporting this cause can visit the dedicated space on the Change.org platform.
The event ended with a manifest that demands all Latin American governments to avoid prohibitions and develop science-based regulatory frameworks. “Our goal is to ensure that smokers have access to less harmful alternatives as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the impact of smoking on public health and that our voices are heard. This perspective is especially relevant in the context of the Tenth Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP 10), taking place this week in Panama,” added Rafael Lara, Director of RAUDER.
“It is important to emphasize that we share the fundamental goal of protecting public health. We advocate for the voices of consumers to be considered in discussions and decision-making that significantly impact their human rights and global health,” Lara emphasized.
