MANILA, Philippines — The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an action plan as the agency has expressed concern over the emerging problem of e-cigarettes, especially among young people in the Philippines and other countries in the Western Pacific Region.
WHO Western Pacific regional director Takeshi Kasai said an action plan is needed to reinforce tobacco control in the region.
“Obviously, our region takes this very seriously. This is the only region where all the member-states have ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) but still we can fall short,” Kasai noted.
He said there are new challenges posed by various types of e-cigarettes and vapes that have afflicted many people, particularly the young.
At this time, Kasai said, WHO is developing a regional action plan for tobacco control.
“We hope member-states would discuss this issue this week very seriously so we can move forward to control these new areas,” Kasai said.
Health ministers and senior officials representing the 37 countries and areas under the WHO Western Pacific are in Manila for the 70th Regional Committee Meeting for the Western Pacific.
He said there is a need to expedite efforts to reduce smoking prevalence, considering five people die every minute in the Western Pacific Region due to tobacco-related illnesses.
As evidence of harm to health emerges, Kasai said the growing threat of alternative forms of smoking such as e-cigarettes and vapes must be immediately addressed.
WHO country representative Rabindra Abeyasinghe said they are supporting moves to slap additional taxes on e-cigarettes and vaping products.