WHO Clings to Outdated Dogma

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…

Read More

PMI Chief Calls for Urgent Embrace of Smoke-Free Alternatives to Save Lives

By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma in Dubai Despite years of anti-smoking campaigns and strict tobacco control measures, the global number of smokers remains stubbornly high. According to peer-reviewed data, about 75 percent of those who attempt to quit relapse within six months. This persistent challenge, experts say, underscores the need for alternative solutions such as smoke-free products. Speaking at the Technovation Summit in Dubai, Philip Morris International (PMI) Chief Executive Officer Jacek Olczak urged governments and regulators to support the adoption of smoke-free alternatives for smokers who cannot or will not…

Read More