WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic Report: Main Highlights

WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic Report: Main Highlights

Q.5: India has made considerable progress in protecting citizens against tobacco, a WHO report has opined. Examine the main findings of this Global Tobacco Epidemic Report released by the WHO.

- India has progressed considerably in raising taxes on cigarettes between 20102-2014 and a WHO report said that nations across the globe should raise taxes on tobacco products to reduce the consumption

- WHO report entitled “Global Tobacco Epidemic 2015” released in manila has also said very “few” governments levy appropriate levels of tax on tobacco products such as cigarettes

- They also miss out on proven, low cost measures to curb tobacco demand and save lives

- Though a tobacco control programme has been set in place, stronger law enforcement and improved tax measures are needed

- Between 2012 and 2014, Bangladesh, India and Maldives have made considerable progress in increasing taxes on cigarettes

- Tobacco continues to be a major public health issue as per the report

- The report also found Nepal has made progress in implementation of bans on ads, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products while Myanmar has increased the number of smoke free places

- Thailand has been successful in protecting waning label requirements which constitute 85% of the two largest surfaces of cigarette packs and cartons

- Many countries in the south east Asian region have implemented tobacco control and prevention measures

- Bangladesh is among 7 countries in the world that has raised taxes to over 75% of the retail price of a pack of cigarettes

- Taxing tobacco products in a comparable manner also lowers incentives for substitution

- Smokeless tobacco is the main cause of oral cancer in the region

- 5 nations with a combined population of 187 million persons namely Chile, Madagascar, Russian Federation, Jamaica and Suriname, implemented a comprehensive smoke free fall covering indoor public places and workplaces

- 6 countries namely The Netherlands, Malta, Mexico, Brunei, Belgium and Argentina implemented appropriate cessation services and offered assistance to quit smoking

- 12 countries with a total population of 370 people namely Costa Rica, Fiji, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Namibia, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu and Vietnam implemented large graphic pack warnings

- 7 countries namely Kiribati, Nepal, Russian Federation , UAE, Suriname, Uruguay and Yemen imposed a complete ban on tobacco ads, promotion and sponsorship protecting close to 209 million people from tobacco epidemic

Facts and Stats

- Report states tobacco kills 6 million people each year

- 20% of these fatalities are in regions which account for 25% of the world’s smokers and 90% of smokeless tobacco users

- As per recent estimates, there are 246 million smokers and 290 million smokeless tobacco users

- Only 1 in 10 of the world’s persons live in 33 countries which levy taxes of more than 75% of the cigarette retail price