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Home » Tobacco harm reduction top theme at international event in Warsaw

Tobacco harm reduction top theme at international event in Warsaw

The UKVIA attended the Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN) in Warsaw, Poland, along with experts and activists from across the world.

The theme of the conference was all about ‘Tobacco Harm Reduction – Here for Good’ with speakers exploring the future use of safer nicotine products and their role in tobacco harm reduction.

The concept of tobacco harm reduction is widely recognised as a key component in improving the health of individuals and their communities.

The hybrid event, consisting of pre-recorded videos, panel discussions and commentary broadcasts, seeks to tackle some of the difficult topic in promoting alternative nicotine delivery products to reducing the harms associated with combustible tobacco.

Panel topics included:

  • The unchecked power of philanthropy
  • Benefits of nicotine
  • Safer nicotine products – it’s not all about vaping
  • Reducing harms from tobacco in LMICs – challenges and opportunities

Attendees from countries all over the world celebrated the forum at the conference’s party at the Sphinx restaurant.

Prior to this, the recipient of the Michael Russell Award was announced. The award, dedicated to Professor Michael Russell, one of the pioneers of smoking behaviour and public policy action, who died in 2009, was established to reward someone who has made a substantial contribution to tobacco harm reduction and the delivery of safer nicotine products.

On behalf of the GFN, Gerry Stimson presented Professor Brad Rodu with the Michael Russell award for his research and work. At the end of the conference, Gerry himself was presented an award for his outstanding contribution to tobacco harm reduction.

It was a valuable opportunity to meet with fellow members of the UKVIA, talk to international advocates and academics and explore the world of safer nicotine in further detail. As always, we are grateful for the team behind GFN for delivering such an interesting and insightful forum.

GFN will return next year in Poland for its 10th conference, 15-17th June.

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