Government to recommend vaping as healthier alternative to tobacco

The New Zealand Government is set to publicly recommend that Kiwis seeking to quit tobacco could use vaping as a healthier alternative, with a media campaign set to begin in August, according to Stuff.

While the New Zealand Ministry for Health website notes it “does not have enough evidence to recommend vaping products confidently as a smoking-cessation tool”, a spokesperson confirmed to Stuff that vaping is intended to be a safe gateway for those who wish to give up cigarettes.

“There is a scientific consensus that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking,” the spokesperson said.

“It is likely vaping can also be used to stop smoking but the evidence is still emerging. A number of large studies are underway and more information will be available over the next year.”

The campaign is also set to limit access to vaping devices for non-smokers, especially the under-age, while also focusing on Māori women – who have been shown to have the highest smoking rate in the country at 32.5 per cent.

The shift in thinking is likely to assist with the Government’s ‘Smokefree 2025’ target.

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