AVCA - Rights and Responsibilities

Published on Oct 04, 2021, an individual's right to health is universally recognized as a fundamental human right. Rooted in the undeniable right to life, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) asserts that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their family, including medical care and necessary social services.” With proper regulation, millions of smokers and vapers across the Asia Pacific can be better informed. While the ideal choice is to avoid nicotine products altogether, it remains a fact that switching to a regulated vaping product is a safer option compared to continuing to smoke.

It is essential to understand that smoking is responsible

It is essential to understand that smoking is responsible for the overwhelming majority of tobacco-related deaths and diseases. The combustion of tobacco, not nicotine or vapor inhalation, is the primary cause of smoking-related illnesses. Tobacco use claims the lives of one million people each year in the Asia Pacific region, and smoking accounts for the majority of these deaths. E-cigarettes offer smokers a viable alternative to quit smoking and could accelerate the decline of cigarette consumption, a result we should all support.

It's important to recognize that vaping is significantly safer than smoking and has already assisted millions of individuals in quitting. Vaping is distinct from smoking; it involves the use of electronic devices to generate nicotine-containing vapor without burning tobacco. Public Health England's annual reviews consistently show that e-cigarettes are approximately 95% less harmful than smoking. Millions have successfully transitioned from smoking to these far safer products, and governments responsible for safeguarding public health should encourage, not deter, this progress.

Harm reduction is also a core principle of international treaty obligations. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control defines 'tobacco control' as a comprehensive approach involving supply, demand, and harm reduction strategies aimed at improving public health. Instead of banning e-cigarettes, governments should regulate them. Bans often serve to protect the cigarette industry. Fears that vaping may entice youth or serve as a 'gateway' to smoking contradict the evidence: e-cigarettes have acted as gateways out of smoking for millions, alongside a decline in youth smoking rates. Governments should focus on regulating e-cigarettes to maximize their potential benefits as low-risk alternatives while minimizing the chances of use by youth or non-smokers.

It’s time to challenge conventional views. Safer alternatives like vaping should be promoted, not treated with the same hostility as cigarettes—or worse, banned. The health of smokers and the credibility of governments are at stake. Countries like New Zealand should avoid the perception of supporting the interests of cigarette and pharmaceutical industries. Smokers deserve better choices than having to decide between deadly cigarettes and marginally effective nicotine replacement therapies.

About Nancy Loucas:
Nancy has a diverse professional background that spans surgical research administration, teaching at both primary and tertiary levels, executive administration, and community property management. For over 15 years, she has been deeply involved in community advocacy, focusing on youth, low-income individuals, and, more recently, vaping advocacy. Nancy brings a rich blend of scientific, medical, and research management expertise to her advocacy efforts.

ole as CEO/Director at AVCA.