The decision
by cigarette manufacturer, Philip Morris International to finance an
anti-smoking foundation which claims to look at ways of reducing the harm from
smoking
has been rebuffed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The
Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, an “independent” research funding body fully
funded by Philip Morris, was launched on September 13, 2017.
Rejecting
the proposed fund on Thursday, September 26, 2017, WHO said there is a conflict
of interest in a tobacco firm funding such research, as there were already
proven techniques to tackle smoking — including tobacco taxes, graphic warning
labels and advertising bans — which the tobacco industry had opposed in the
past.
WHO,
therefore, insisted on not partnering with the Foundation and, they also urged
Governments and the public health community not to partner with the Foundation.
The foundation’s
founder and president-designate, Derek Yach in his words expressed
disappointment at WHO’s complete mischaracterisation of the nature, structure
and intent of the Foundation in its recent statements – and especially by its
admonition to others not to work together.
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