Last week at Good COP, Kurt caught up with Liza from the World Vapers Alliance to unpack why consumer voices matter, especially with COP11 happening behind closed doors nearby. From FCTC transparency issues to misinformation around safer alternatives, Liza highlights why

Thank you, @rohseq. Great chat on and off camera. We need more medical professionals like you who put patients' lives over ideology.

For some countries at COP11 there was a “wait a minute” moment. You can’t shove nicotine prohibition down our throats - it is too much like colonialism (Bloomberg as the new Columbus). Others are realizing that safer nicotine products can save millions of lives #vapingsaveslives

“The suggestion that any country or advocate who supports harm reduction must be aligned with industry is unacceptable. It is an authoritarian approach that shuts down legitimate scientific discussion. Public health decisions should be based on evidence, not ideological purity

At COP11, ideology was prioritised over evidence and the world was left shrouded in smoke. Scientific proof shows that safer alternatives cut smoking rates, reduce harm and save lives. Yet harm reduction was sidelined, despite being the only strategy that works.

New today! Six ways public health messaging on nicotine is missing the mark. Mixed signals, blurred distinctions and risk inflation are confusing the very people who need clarity. #harmreduction https://t.co/fij3xJC3dI

@Kurt_Yeo @BathTR @Bhekisisa_MG @WHO @FCTCofficial Have you folks seen this?

An article by the Tobacco Control Research Group at Bath University, @BathTR (Bloomberg-funded), was initially published by an "independent media organisation," @Bhekisisa_MG, funded by the Gates Foundation. The very same funders to the @WHO & @FCTCofficial. See the problem?

This 👇

Yet Denmark attempted to bind European member states into banning the products which have helped it reduce its smoking rates. It did so despite fellow states specifically telling it not to do so. Tobacco control industry corruption is ubiquitous.

"The @GATC_int has chosen to single out New Zealand, a nation on the verge of becoming the first smoke-free country while simultaneously praising the policies of Mexico, where smoking rates remain far higher." Bloomberg's dollars in action. #NotAboutHealth

At #COP11, many countries from every region reminded the world that real progress happens when evidence, innovation and consumer voices are taken seriously. This compilation highlights the moments when leaders stood up for science-based policies that save lives, empower smokers

"#FCTCCOP11 exposed that the FCTC is at a crossroads, either evolving into a genuinely global governance model, or doubling down on a system that many countries now openly reject" https://t.co/UeH5s3bvax

Evidence summary on Nicotine, for you @ParliamentofRSA Imagine using nicotine to assist in smoking cessation. Well, we don't if you consider nicotine replacement therapies. The only difference is e-cigs/vapes are proving to be more effective.

This week’s IEA newsletter, including some observations from me about the WHO.

Unbelievable but true! New Zealand, that country that has decreased smoking to almost smoke free status, >3x faster than Australia, was just awarded the “dirty ashtray” award at the WHO FCTC cop! Why? For supporting cleaner and safer nicotine delivery, known as harm reduction!

The issuing of 'orchids awards' during #COP11 by @GATC_int reminds me of an apple on the teacher's desk. Calling for a favor by a teacher's pet, failing to reach tangible results. Maybe the reduction in smoking rates should be the only measure. #FCTCCOP11

Can vaping help wean people off cigarettes? Anti-smoking advocates are sharply split : Goats and Soda https://t.co/9K3PG7KNyR Thanks to @NPR for highlighting the value of #vaping to help smokers quit or switch. Hope delegates to the @WHO #COP11 meeting take note.

"#FCTCCOP11 didn’t stall because of interference. It stalled because the FCTC model is breaking apart under the weight of its own contradictions."

Food for thought @ParliamentofRSA as the Portfolio Committee on Health deliberates over the "Tobacco Bill." Harm reduction is explained by these 40 experts and is therefore not an industry construct; it's codified in the FCTC, Article 1.D.