N international consumer group has accused the World Health Organization (WHO) of hindering global progress in reducing smoking-related deaths by refusing to acknowledge tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies.

The World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) alleged the WHO’s stance is increasingly disconnected from evidence being presented at the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11), which runs from November 17 to 22, 2025 in Geneva. The group warned that the meeting risks becoming an “echo chamber for outdated, anti-science policies.”

The WVA urged the WHO to recognize tobacco harm reduction as a tool to help smokers transition to less harmful alternatives, saying consumer perspectives and scientific findings on products like vaping, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches should be part of the policy debate.

They noted that THR is designed to minimize health risks from tobacco use by promoting lower-risk options. According to the group, the WHO’s refusal to consider THR undermines its stated mission of preventing smoking-related deaths.

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