Government to recommend vaping as healthier
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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.
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 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 percent.
The shift in thinking is likely to assist with the Government’s ‘Smoke-free 2025’ target.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary objective of the New Zealand Government's upcoming media campaign?
What is the primary objective of the New Zealand Government's upcoming media campaign?
The campaign aims to recommend vaping as a healthier alternative for Kiwis looking to quit tobacco. It will also work to limit access to vaping devices for non-smokers, particularly the under-age, and target Māori women due to their high smoking rate.
Q.Does the Ministry for Health currently have strong evidence to support vaping as a quitting tool?
Does the Ministry for Health currently have strong evidence to support vaping as a quitting tool?
No, the New Zealand Ministry for Health website states it lacks sufficient evidence to confidently recommend vaping products as a smoking-cessation tool. However, a spokesperson confirms it's intended as a safe gateway for those quitting cigarettes.
Q.Which specific demographic group will the campaign focus on due to their high smoking rates?
Which specific demographic group will the campaign focus on due to their high smoking rates?
The campaign will specifically focus on Māori women. They have been identified as having the highest smoking rate in New Zealand, standing at 32.5 percent, which the government aims to address.
Q.When is the media campaign expected to commence?
When is the media campaign expected to commence?
The media campaign is set to begin in August. It will be the public launch of the government's recommendation for vaping as a healthier alternative for those trying to quit tobacco.
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