Asia Harm Reduction Forum 2021 draws more participants

Interest is building ahead of the 4th Asia Harm Reduction Forum which will gather global tobacco harm reduction advocates and discuss significant developments.

Organized from the Philippines, registration and participation for the June 28 forum is strongly encouraged by the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates.

As a non-profit and interdisciplinary organization, AHRF2021 will build on the success of the previous three events in Jakata, Manila and Seoul. It will add to the growing knowledge base on harm reduction, educating participants on recent studies and developments in public health.

The forum will feature leading experts from the fields of science, policymaking and consumer advocacy—focused on research-based solutions and strategies that enable greater education and access to safer alternative nicotine products than deadly combustible cigarettes.

Speakers include Dr. Achmad Syawqie Yazid, Clive Bates, David Sweanor, Dr. Joe Kosterich, Dr. Lorenzo Mata, Asa Saligupta, Johan Sumantri and Peter Dator.

Dator, president of Vapers PH and CAPHRA member, said the forum continues to grow as a significant THR annual event. Given AHRF2020 was cancelled amid COVID-19, there’s extra anticipation around the forum’s online format this year, he said.

“It provides an invaluable global platform to discuss emerging issues, practices and policies on harm reduction, public health and policy formulation. Our ultimate mission is to ensure the integration of harm reduction into health policies and programs,” said Dator.

He said given all the developments taking place in Asia Pacific, including the Philippine Senate’s expected approval of risk-proportionate legislation, this year’s forum will be keenly attended.

Nancy Loucas, coordinator of CAPHRA, said the Asia Pacific consumer advocacy group enthusiastically supports the annual forum and people’s participation.

“We love the Asian Harm Reduction Forum. It’s all about empowering individuals, communities, governments to make informed health-related decisions through accessible information, engaging discussions, and by creating a supportive environment. It strengthens the hard work tobacco harm reduction advocates do in Asia Pacific, with the forum positively gaining more profile and traction,” said Loucas.