IHRA: International Harm Reduction Association

[jamie]

After seeing an article about a harm reduction rally in Thailand I was going to update the Thailand thread, however a bit of further research led me to the IHRA, International Harm Reduction Association, which may be of interest to some of our members (myself included).

IHRA is the leading organisation in promoting evidence based harm reduction policies and practices on a global basis for all psychoactive substances (including illicit drugs, tobacco and alcohol).

The IHRA is holding their 2009 International Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. I'm sure it's connected to the article I saw, about an AIDS-related Harm Reduction rally. The writer clearly understands the broader viewpoint of the IHRA.

Rallying For Harm Reduction In Thailand

Harm reduction is an approach to public health that is meant to be a progressive alternative to the complete prohibition of certain potentially dangerous activities or choices in society, such as drug use and prostitution... This could include needle exchange programs, condom distribution in prisons, and a number of other possible initiatives.

The idea behind harm reduction is that some people choose to use drugs or engage in other high risk behaviors. Instead of a complete ban on these behaviors, harm reduction aims to mitigate the health risks and other potential dangers that the behaviors can cause.Harm reduction also addresses the legal framework in which these behaviors are carried out.

It seems to me that when a program works, like many harm reduction initiatives do, that should be what is really important.

[Spider]

That makes a lot of sense, never heard of that organisation before.

[jamie]

The IHRA Tobacco Harm Reduction area includes a collection of 80 tobacco-related papers --> HERE

[jamie]

I contacted IHRA about modifying one of their statements in light of esmoking products. They responded very positively, changing Helping them to switch to non-smokable forms of nicotine -- to -- Helping them to switch to less harmful nicotine delivery systems.

They also asked:

If you could send me some papers and research in favour of (or describing) the emerging electronic cigarettes, I would also be happy to consider them for inclusion in our '50 Best Document Collection on Tobacco Harm Reduction'.

I'd love some suggestions on best info to send them!

to IHRA

[leaford]

The new Zealand study is the only one going. You might also ask Dr Loi; although the gubbermint has stopped his study, he might be able to write up something for them. At least a letter or position paper.

[TropicalBob]

Jamie, that second interim report from New Zealand is quite complete, with a good definition of e-smoking. It's all we have. And it is specific to Ruyan (my bet is that every country's regulations will require EACH manufacturer to be tested and certified individually).

There's a link in one thread to that report. I just can't find the link while writing this ...

[jamie]

Thank you, yes I will definitely include the NZ document and include Dr. Loi somehow.

For IHRA request on describing the electronic cigarette... any such write ups you think are top notch for this purpose?

[jimldk]

Thank you, yes I will definitely include the NZ document and include Dr. Loi somehow.

For IHRA request on describing the electronic cigarette... any such write ups you think are top notch for this purpose?

Well...it is good way of mitigating this problem but not many govt will take up this idea for allowing certain drugs or even vices to be recognised ..look for example singapore..they think e-smoking will also influence their young..so they ban it..IHRA is like greenpeace (at the best equation)...the concept is good but our ways(e-smoking) is still new and a feasible idea..yes, we need to inform them of it's proper use but then we have to make sure it is Safe first..at least get the right conclusive reports in first and then we will deal....

Thanks Jamie for the heads up..I will be willing to help of course, it will benefit a lot of people and I just hope govts around the world will accept it too...

[TropicalBob]

With the unknowns of e-smoking, it likely stands NO chance of being adopted without heavy regulation by any informed government. "Harm reduction," an idea I embrace, is not accepted by even a majority of U.S. medical people. Its strongest proponents are regularly called "out of touch" or "unrealistic" or worse by the majority.

We desperately need science first. Without it, look for bans.

And Dr. Loi knows all too well the pressures of potential lost tax revenue if smokers moved off taxed and regulated products to untaxed and unregulated practices like e-smoking. Governments want their money!

[TheEmperorOfIceCream]

Well there ya go Bob. I've posted elsewhere that I'm braced for taxation and won't even mind it (as long as I get something for my tax buck - in this case regulation of the product and disclosure of the ingredients).

Jamie, great work. I don't think we have anything more authoritative than Dr Laugesen's NZ study and Dr Loi's clinical experience so I think you're right to put their work forward.

Emp