Unveiling the Disturbing Truth – Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023
In a decisive move to safeguard the health of young people worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially launched the “Stop the Lies” campaign. This vital initiative, aimed at thwarting the tobacco industry’s deceptive practices, calls for an immediate end to its interference in health policies, marking a critical step towards a healthier future for the global population.
Alarming Findings from “The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023”
Backing the campaign are revelations from “The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023,” a report published by STOP and the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control. The index exposes a deteriorating global scenario in efforts to shield health policies from increased tobacco industry interference.
WHO’s Crusade: Amplifying Youth Voices and Exposing Industry Tactics
WHO’s campaign aims to amplify the voices of the youth, expose the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry, and raise public awareness about the imperative need to defend health policies for the well-being of future generations. Furthermore, it strives to empower young people to actively participate in safeguarding their health and the health of generations to come.
Global Youth Mobilization against Manipulative Tobacco Practices
Youth groups worldwide have united, urging countries to adopt decisions that protect them from the manipulative practices of the tobacco and related industries.
“WHO stands with young people globally who have demanded governments protect them against a deadly industry that targets them with new harmful products while outright lying about the health impacts,” asserts Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO.
“We call on all countries to safeguard health policies from this deadly industry by not letting them have a seat at the policy-making table.”
Battling Industry Tactics: WHO’s Support Against Interference
The tobacco industry relentlessly attempts to interfere with countries’ right to protect public health. WHO provides support to countries facing legal challenges, financial incentives, and industry interference, particularly in the upcoming WHO FCTC Conference of Parties.
WHO’s Call for Defending Evidence-Based Tobacco Control Measures
WHO calls on countries to defend evidence-based tobacco control measures in the face of industry interference. Moreover, the industry’s tactics encompass using front groups, third parties, social media influencers, sponsored events, funding biased research, and supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The Persistent Deception: Tobacco Industry’s History of Lies
The tobacco industry has a long-standing history of deceiving the public, including denying the link between smoking and lung cancer. Despite knowing that tobacco causes 25% of all cancers and kills over 8 million people annually, the industry continues to market ‘new’ and ‘safer’ products, producing trillions of cigarettes each year.
Targeting the Vulnerable: Exploiting Young Users
With half of all tobacco users dying prematurely, the industry heavily relies on recruiting new, young users. Furthermore, menthol and flavored cigarettes, along with candy-flavored e-cigarettes, attract the young generation, often leaving them unaware of the detrimental health effects.
Industry’s Heavy Investment: Lobbying Against Tobacco Control Policies
The tobacco industry invests substantial amounts in lobbying against tobacco control policies and funding organizations that promote its interests. These tactics, when unchecked, inflict immeasurable harm on public health and have cascading damaging effects on the environment, mental health, and child labor.
In the face of these challenges, WHO’s “Stop the Lies” campaign stands as a global call to action, urging governments to resist the deceptive web woven by the tobacco industry and protect the health of present and future generations.
Sources: THX News & World Health Organization.
