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Tobacco firms exploit virtual worlds to reach underage users
Tobacco companies are increasingly turning to virtual environments like the metaverse to promote smoking and vaping, often targeting children and teenagers. These digital spaces remain largely beyond the reach of existing advertising regulations, allowing companies to normalise harmful behaviours through avatars, games, and immersive events.
A report presented at the recent World Conference on Tobacco Control highlighted how NFTs, online sponsorships, and subtle in-game marketing are being used to bypass restrictions. Health experts warn that this unchecked marketing could undermine public health gains, especially among young, tech-savvy users, and are urging policymakers to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Source: The Guardian, 22 July 2025
See also: Vital Strategies - The Next Frontier in Tobacco Marketing: The Metaverse, NFTs, Advergames and More
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Edward Argar to step down as Badenoch reshapes Tory frontbench
Kemi Badenoch is expected to announce a reshuffle of the Conservative frontbench, with shadow health secretary Edward Argar stepping down due to personal reasons. His departure marks a significant change in the opposition team as the party seeks to refresh its policy direction. While the full list of new appointments will be confirmed later, the reshuffle signals Badenoch’s intention to consolidate leadership and reinforce party unity.
Source: The Guardian, 22 July 2025
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Warnings grow as care leaders divert funds from prevention to crisis support
A major survey by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has revealed that local authorities overspent by more than £770 million last year to fulfil their legal obligations for adult social care, with funding pressures forcing many to scale back on preventative services. Sector leaders say this undermines national ambitions to shift towards community-based and early intervention care models. Figures across the care landscape – including providers, charities, local government and health bodies – are calling for urgent long-term investment and structural reform to ensure care services are sustainable and truly preventative.
Source: Homecare Insight, 16 July 2025
See also: LGA - LGA responds to ADASS Spring Survey
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Drugmakers look to UK as testbed for obesity treatments
The UK’s ambition to roll out weight-loss injections through the NHS has attracted close attention from global pharmaceutical firms, which see the country as a potential proving ground for obesity treatments. With obesity placing a growing strain on public health resources, the government is exploring how to make these drugs more widely available beyond private clinics. Companies like Novo Nordisk hope the NHS will adopt a population-wide approach that could serve as a model internationally. However, uncertainty remains over rollout plans, eligibility criteria, and resistance from some health officials who favour behavioural solutions over medical intervention.
Source: The Telegraph, 21 July 2025
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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