The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again taken a significant step in its mission to curb the global tobacco epidemic. In its recently released report, the ninth in a series, the WHO highlights the progress and challenges faced by countries in implementing tobacco control measures since 2008.
The MPOWER Measures: A Comprehensive Approach to Tobacco Control
In 2008, WHO introduced the MPOWER measures as a strategic framework to aid countries in implementing demand-reduction measures outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. These measures encompass six essential components:
- Monitor Tobacco Use and Prevention Policies: Countries are encouraged to keep a vigilant eye on tobacco use trends and develop effective prevention policies.
- Protect People from Tobacco Smoke: Creating smoke-free public spaces is crucial to safeguarding individuals from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
- Offer Help to Quit Tobacco: By providing accessible cessation services, countries can support tobacco users in their journey to quit.
- Warn About Dangers of Tobacco: Graphic health warnings on tobacco product packaging play a pivotal role in educating consumers about the risks associated with tobacco use.
- Enforce Bans on Tobacco Advertising: Restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship helps counter the tobacco industry’s efforts to glamorize tobacco products.
- Raise Taxes on Tobacco Products: Increasing taxes on tobacco products reduces their affordability, making them less attractive to potential consumers.
Global Impact and Progress
Over the past 15 years since the inception of the MPOWER measures, substantial strides have been made. A remarkable 5.6 billion people, accounting for 71% of the global population, are now protected by at least one of these measures. This is a significant leap from the mere 5% of the population covered in 2008. The number of countries implementing at least one MPOWER measure has also risen substantially, from 44 in 2008 to 151 in 2022. Notably, Brazil, Turkey, Netherlands, and Mauritius stand out for successfully implementing all six measures. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there remain 44 countries that have yet to adopt any MPOWER measures, revealing the persistent challenges in achieving comprehensive global tobacco control.
E-cigarettes: A New Challenge to Tobacco Control Efforts
While progress is being made, the tobacco industry’s promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative poses a new challenge. The report underscores that e-cigarettes are harmful to both users and bystanders, particularly in indoor settings. This aggressive marketing strategy threatens to undo the progress achieved through tobacco control measures and highlights the need for stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns.
Second-Hand Smoking: An Emphasis on Public Health
A significant portion of the report is dedicated to the pressing issue of second-hand smoking. Exposure to second-hand smoke is a serious health concern, contributing to an estimated 1.3 million deaths among non-smokers each year. The report advocates for the creation of smoke-free public areas and a shift in societal attitudes towards smoking, aiming to de-normalize the act and protect individuals from involuntary exposure.
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: A Comprehensive Solution
Global tobacco control efforts lies the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Established in 2003, the FCTC is an international treaty designed to combat the health risks posed by tobacco use. This legally binding framework obligates ratified countries to implement a range of measures, including reducing tobacco consumption and exposure, providing information and education, regulating packaging and labeling, banning tobacco advertising and sponsorship, increasing taxes, and supporting cessation efforts.
India’s Strides in Tobacco Control
The report not only assesses global progress but also sheds light on individual countries’ efforts. India, for instance, has been taking significant steps towards comprehensive tobacco control:
- Warnings on OTT Platforms: India is pioneering warnings on over-the-top (OTT) platform content featuring actors using tobacco products, setting a global precedent in tobacco control messaging.
- COTPA 2003: The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act regulates various aspects of tobacco control, from advertising and sponsorship to packaging and sale, making India’s approach multifaceted and robust.
- Pictorial Health Warnings: India’s implementation of graphic pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packaging serves as a powerful tool to communicate the dangers of tobacco use.
- Ban on Smoking in Public Places: Enforcing a smoking ban in public areas further protects non-smokers from second-hand smoke exposure.
- Tobacco Advertising and Promotion: India’s restrictions on tobacco advertising and sponsorship contribute to changing societal perceptions of tobacco consumption.
- Tobacco Taxation: Regular increases in tobacco taxes in India discourage consumption by making these products less affordable.
- National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP): The establishment of NTCP underscores India’s commitment to tackling tobacco use at various levels, from awareness generation to enforcement.