The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes May 31st as World No Tobacco Day to highlight the health risks associated with smoking and encourage people to quit.
38 million Americans still smoke combustible cigarettes, which puts them at greater risk for cancer, heart and lung diseases.
Women tend to have a harder time quitting than men. Women do not respond as well to nicotine patches and gum.
Those that want to quit deserve better options that work for them. E-cigarettes are one such option and are 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
In the UK, doctors recommend e-cigarettes to help people stop smoking and the Royal College of Physicians endorse their use.
Millions of people have stopped smoking due to the use of e-cigarettes.
Yet, the WHO has long spread misinformation about e-cigarettes and participated in anti-vaping activism. That needs to stop.
On this World No Tobacco Day, we hope the leaders at the World Health Organization embrace giving people the options they need to quit smoking and live healthier lives.