Experts Criticize WHO for Ignoring Evidence on Safer Smoking Alternatives

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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Oncologists Should Lead the Tobacco Harm Reduction Discourse

Nicotine Isn’t the Enemy: World Expert Corrects a Century of Misconception

By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma A leading French oncologist has called on cancer specialists worldwide to take an active role in Tobacco Harm Reduction and help correct misconceptions about nicotine and its link to cancer. Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 Technovation Summit in Dubai, Professor David Khayat, an oncologist at Pierre et Marie University in Paris, said oncologists have a duty to promote science-based communication around smoking and nicotine use. We as oncologists have to trust science, and science says nicotine does not cause cancer, so let’s stick to…

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Nicotine Isn’t the Enemy: World Expert Corrects a Century of Misconception

Nicotine Isn’t the Enemy: World Expert Corrects a Century of Misconception

By Michael Gwarisa For decades, misinformation and misconceptions about nicotine’s role in cancer and tobacco-related diseases have dominated public health discussions. These misconceptions are not limited to the general public; even among medical professionals, confusion persists. A Rutgers-led study found that about 80 percent of physicians surveyed believed nicotine directly causes cancer. Speaking during a session on Lessons in Tobacco Harm Reduction, where he shared insights from an oncologist’s perspective, Professor David Khayat said nicotine misinformation remains widespread among doctors and physicians. We see that there are many physicians who…

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