/ New Zealand/A University of Otago study claiming the transition from cigarettes to e-cigarettes is not as simple as many believe will not help many New Zealanders who are eager to quit, a leading tobacco harm reduction advocate says.

"The process of kicking a cigarette through an e-cigarette is never straightforward and does vary from smoker to smoker. What the Otago researchers failed to acknowledge, however, is that despite this, e-cigarettes remain the world's most effective smoking cessation tool in the long run. What's more, ongoing personalised support is key, "said Nancy Loucas, Co-Director of Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA).

Ms Loucas says AVCA designed and ran its own Vape It Forward (VIP) programme between 2016 and 2018 and achieved considerable success, achieving a quitting rate of 83%.

"VIF is a holistic mentoring program for adults who are trying to quit using traditional methods. Overall, round-about support with no time limit has proven effective. There is no reason to humiliate people who double use cigarettes and e-cigarettes until they are fully converted. That's not a failure. It's part of the journey, "she said.

The problem with such studies and traditional smoking cessation programs, AVCA says, is that they are not comprehensive or sustainable.

"It will take time for people to switch to e-cigarettes. What works for VIF participants is the support of their mentors, the lack of judgment, and the understanding that each person's journey varies according to individual circumstances, "she says.

Ms Loucas said AVCA had taken every opportunity to inform various academics, health providers and the Ministry of Health of the VIF findings in recent years, but unfortunately the success of the AVCA programme had largely fallen on deaf ears.

"Bodies such as the Health Promotion Board, Maori health providers and district Health boards continue to promote e-cigarette programmes as an effective way to quit smoking, but we can do better. Unfortunately, the department deprives community and consumer groups like ours of the ability to run the most successful programs, "she said.

Since the passage of the Smoke-free Environments and Regulated Products (E-Cigarettes) Amendment Act 2020, those who can run and advertise smoking cessation programs through e-cigarettes have been severely restricted.

"If Deputy Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall really wants to achieve Smokefree Aotearoa, she needs to embrace the success of community schemes like Vape It Forward instead of banning them. Hopefully the government's Smoke-free Action Plan will be introduced soon to once again empower communities and support New Zealanders to quit smoking. This is how New Zealand will become smoke-free, "said Nancy Loucas.