Stronger tobacco control needed to save lives
The World Health Organization (WHO) wants stronger legislation and enforcement on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship to prevent tobacco-related deaths.
In WHO’s South-East Asia Region, several countries, including Indonesia, have adopted strong legislation to protect their people.
"The Health Law regulation in Indonesia covers provisions such as smoke-free public places, pictorial health warnings, and restrictions on tobacco advertising and promotion,” said WHO South-East Asia Region Office (SEARO) in a statement on Tuesday.
“Indonesia has also simplified its tax structure and increased the tax rates on cigarettes.”
It is estimated that nearly 1.3 million people die from tobacco-related illnesses every year in South-East Asia.
The WHO is concerned that nearly three in four children between the ages of 13 and 15 are exposed to pro-cigarette ads on billboards and pro-tobacco messages at sports and other events. Advertisements have been proven to encourage them to start smoking.
WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, Samlee Plianbangchang, said statistics showed that banning tobacco advertising and sponsorship was one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce tobacco demand.
“A comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship could decrease tobacco consumption by an average of about 7 percent, with some countries experiencing a decline in consumption of up to 16 percent,” he said.
Plianbangchang said countries’ efforts should be focused on preventing the youth from being exposed to all forms of tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship.
“Enforcement of a ban on sale of tobacco to minors should also be strengthened,” he added. (ebf)
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