Tag: COP11

Policy Capture at COP11: What It Signals for Global Health Governance

Healthtimes

By Dr Vivian Manyeki, Public Health Specialist and Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate In the busy corridors of the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Geneva, a heated exchange occurred. A young delegate, determined and armed with data, confronted a representative of a major global foundation. “We appreciate your contributions,” she said. “But Africa’s strategies must reflect our realities, not imposed templates.” This moment highlighted the tension between philanthropy and sovereignty. Wealthy philanthropists offer solutions for Africa, but governments must remain…

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Do as I Say, Not What’s Best: The Perils of Philanthro-Colonialism at COP11

Michael Gwarisa

By Own Correspondent  As the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) concluded last week, experts on the sidelines raised concerns about the misuse of Article 5.3, which has increasingly hindered engagement with diverse stakeholders. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) restrictive interpretation of this article has effectively limited meaningful dialogue between governments and non-state actors, including researchers, harm reduction advocates and industry representatives. Experts argue that this approach stifles evidence-based policymaking, prevents countries from exploring safer alternatives and reinforces a one-size-fits-all prohibitionist…

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Good COP 2.0 Pushes Back Against WHO’s Quiet War on Harm Reduction

Healthtimes

By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma The 11th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) recently took place in Geneva, Switzerland, and resembled the familiar closed-door meeting where science was neglected and the voices of consumers left out yet again. A lot of these experts, including some of those who helped set the stage for the FCTC in its early days, felt that the meeting had drifted very far from its original purpose. They characterised it as an event powered by predestined stories…

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Health Experts Warn WHO Against Full Tobacco Ban and Call for Balanced Regulation

Healthtimes

By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma For decades, global public health experts have agreed on one thing: banning a dangerous substance rarely eliminates its use. It often pushes the trade underground, where governments lose visibility and control. Regulation, however, gives policymakers room to monitor, manage and gradually reduce harm. This tension now sits at the center of a growing global debate. As the World Health Organization (WHO) considers tightening international controls on tobacco production under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), major tobacco-producing economies fear that sweeping restrictions could trigger economic…

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Experts Criticize WHO for Ignoring Evidence on Safer Smoking Alternatives

Healthtimes

By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma The Conference of the Parties (COP) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has been ignoring emerging scientific evidence on tobacco harm reduction. Experts say the organisation continues to enforce restrictions that are not fit for purpose, while global smoking rates remain high. Tobacco harm reduction refers to the use of safer alternatives to cigarettes, including e-cigarettes, vapes, heat-not-burn products, pouches, and snus. These products are designed to provide nicotine with fewer health risks than traditional smoking. Critics argue that COP…

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Why COP11 Should Be Livestreamed and Open to the Press

Healthtimes

By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma The 11th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), scheduled to take place at the Geneva International Conference Centre in Switzerland from November 17 to 22, has faced growing criticism for its lack of transparency during meetings. While the WHO FCTC does not outright ban media attendance at COP sessions, it imposes strict accreditation and vetting procedures that significantly limit press participation. Members of the media may only attend if they have been…

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WHO Clings to Outdated Dogma

Healthtimes

By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma  When it came into effect in 2005, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was hailed as a landmark global health treaty. Two decades later, however, health experts say the treaty has largely failed to deliver on its promise to significantly reduce global smoking rates. The FCTC urged governments to adopt taxation, advertising bans, and other restrictive measures to curb smoking. Yet, despite widespread adoption, global tobacco use remains stubbornly high. Studies indicate that the FCTC has struggled to keep pace with…

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The Tobacco Tax Dilemma: Can Governments Protect Both Health and Revenue?

Healthtimes

By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma Several governments find themselves in a conundrum. On one hand, they depend on tobacco tax revenues to fund public programs and services, while on the other, they aim to reduce the health risks associated with tobacco consumption. This dilemma is particularly evident in countries with significant tobacco industries. In Zimbabwe, for example, the country recorded an all-time high output of 355 million kilograms of tobacco this year, earning close to US$1.2 billion in revenue. The tobacco industry contributes significantly to Zimbabwe’s economy, accounting for about 10…

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