Archive · 11 Dec 2025
COP11 Debates Tobacco Harm Reduction
At an event called COP11, there was a big discussion about how to reduce the harm from tobacco.
The World Health Organization (WHO) gave an award called the 'Dirty Ashtray' to New Zealand, even though New Zealand has a very low smoking rate and high taxes on cigarettes.
This surprised many people because Mexico, which has a higher smoking rate and very low cigarette prices, was praised as a model country.
Experts think the awards were confusing because Mexico's cigarette prices have not increased much since 2011, making cigarettes very cheap there.
New Zealand, on the other hand, encourages people to use smoke-free products and has high taxes on cigarettes to discourage smoking.
COP11 debated tobacco harm reduction strategies.
WHO gave New Zealand the 'Dirty Ashtray' award despite its low smoking rate and high cigarette taxes.
Mexico, with a higher smoking rate and low cigarette prices, was praised as a model country.
Experts noted that Mexico's cigarette prices have stagnated since 2011, making cigarettes very affordable.
New Zealand encourages a transition to smoke-free products and imposes high cigarette taxes.
- Who
- WHO and participating countries at COP11
- What
- Debate on tobacco harm reduction and contradictory awards
- When
- During COP11
- Where
- At the COP11 event
- Why
- To discuss and recognize efforts in tobacco control
- Event
- COP11
- Mexico Smoking Rate
- 15.4%
- New Zealand Smoking Rate
- 6.8%
- New Zealand Cigarette Tax
- €28 per pack
- Mexico Cigarette Price
- $0.70 per pack
- WHO Award
- Dirty Ashtray Award
