Philip Morris Faces Health Advocacy Backlash Over U.S. Heated Tobacco Rollout

By Nikki Reese | July 21, 2024
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Resilience & Mindset Mastery
Breaking Chains: Empowering Women Through Policy and Practice

The 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the UN’s largest yearly gathering focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment, will convene from 11 - 22 March this year. The priority theme, "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective," underscores the critical global commitment.

Globally, 10.3% of women live in extreme poverty, facing greater economic disparity compared to men. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 requires progress in poverty eradication that is 26 times faster than current rates.

Accelerating this progress demands substantial investments. Data from 48 developing economies indicates an annual requirement of an additional $360 billion to achieve gender equality and empower women across key global goals, including poverty and hunger eradication.

In this pivotal year, with billions participating in elections worldwide, there exists an opportunity to advocate for increased investment in gender equality.

Recognized solutions to alleviate women’s poverty include targeted policies, programs addressing gender disparities, and enhancing women’s agency and leadership. Such investments promise substantial returns: prioritizing education, family planning, equitable wages, and expanded social benefits could lift over 100 million women and girls out of poverty. By 2035, investing in care services could create nearly 300 million jobs. Closing gender employment gaps could potentially increase GDP per capita by 20% globally.

At CSW68, governments, civil society organizations, experts, and activists will unite to formulate strategies and commitments aimed at ending women’s poverty and advancing gender equality worldwide.

Health
Philip Morris Faces Health Advocacy Backlash Over U.S. Heated Tobacco Rollout

Health advocates have accused Philip Morris International (PM.N) of distorting past regulatory decisions in an effort to hinder the launch of its IQOS heated tobacco device in the U.S., the second largest tobacco market globally. PMI, the world's largest tobacco company, has invested heavily in IQOS, aiming for substantial future growth pending FDA approval. Six health groups, including the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the American Lung Association, penned a letter to the FDA opposing PMI's applications related to IQOS. They allege PMI misled by falsely claiming FDA endorsement of IQOS' disease risk reduction. The groups cited instances in the U.S., Philippines, Mexico, and Kazakhstan where PMI allegedly breached FDA directives on risk comparison. Additionally, they pointed to forthcoming independent studies from Canada's University of Waterloo contradicting PMI's claims on user transitions from cigarettes to IQOS.

Entertainment
Carol Burnett Remembers Bob Newhart: A Gentle Genius

Bob Newhart brought not just laughter but also touched hearts deeply. The beloved comedy icon, famed for his roles in "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart," passed away at 94 after battling a brief illness. Actress Carol Burnett, in a heartfelt tribute, remembered their collaboration on "The Carol Burnett Show" in 1971, describing Newhart as kind, funny, and dearly missed. Numerous stars have taken to social media to honor his enduring legacy, including Kaley Cuoco from "Big Bang Theory," who cherished working with him, praising his brilliance and enduring impact in entertainment.