WHO Report on Tobacco Control

• 04 Aug 2023

For Prelims: World Health Organisation, E-cigarettes, National Tobacco Control Programme, Promulgation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance, 2019, National Tobacco Quitline Services (NTQLS).

For Mains: Status of Tobacco Consumption in India

Source: IE

Why in News?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released a comprehensive report on tobacco control measures. The report evaluates the progress made globally since the introduction of the MPOWER measures - a set of strategies developed by WHO to combat tobacco use and its detrimental effects on health.

What are MPOWER Measures?

• In 2008, the WHO established MPOWER, a plan consisting of the six most important and effective tobacco control methods. The six MPOWER strategies include:
  • M: Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
  • P: Protect people from tobacco smoke
  • O: Offer help to quit smoking
  • W: Warn about the dangers of tobacco
  • E: Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
  • R: Raise taxes on tobacco

What are the Major Highlights of the Report?

• Global Tobacco Control Progress:
  • Worldwide, there has been a decline in smoking prevalence from 22.8% in 2007 to 17% in 2021, resulting in 300 million fewer smokers today.
  • The WHO's MPOWER measures have played a vital role in tobacco control over the past 15 years, protecting 5.6 billion people (71% of the global population) with at least one measure.
  • The number of countries implementing at least one MPOWER measure has risen from 44 in 2008 to 151 in 2022, and four countries - Brazil, Turkiye, Netherlands, and Mauritius - have successfully implemented all measures.
• Addressing the Challenges:
  • The report also sheds light on the challenges that need to be addressed for more effective tobacco control.
  • At least 44 countries still do not implement any MPOWER measure, and 53 countries do not have a complete ban on smoking in healthcare facilities.
    • Additionally, only half of the countries enforce smoke-free workplaces and restaurants.
  • WHO emphasizes the dangers of e-cigarettes, noting that the tobacco industry's aggressive promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative undermines progress.
    • E-cigarettes pose risks to both users and those around them, especially in indoor environments.
• Second-hand Smoking:
  • Of the estimated 8.7 million tobacco-related deaths annually, 1.3 million are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
  • Second-hand smoke is linked to almost 400,000 deaths due to heart disease. Moreover, second-hand smoke adversely affects children, leading to severe asthma, respiratory tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome.
    • Around 51,000 deaths in children and adolescents under 20 years are attributed to exposure to second-hand smoke.
• India's Progress in Tobacco Control:
  • India excels in implementing health warning labels on tobacco products and providing tobacco dependence treatment.
  • About 85% of cigarette packs in India carry health warnings on both the front and back, placing the country among the top 10 in terms of warning label size.
  • India has also banned the sale of e-cigarettes and implemented smoking bans in healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
  • Bengaluru has seen significant progress in tobacco control due to hundreds of enforcement drives, 'No Smoking' sign displays, and extensive awareness campaigns about the hazards of smoking and second-hand smoke.
    • The city's efforts have led to a commendable 27% reduction in smoking in public places.

What is the Status of Tobacco Consumption in India?

• About:
  • Nearly 267 million adults (15 years and above) in India (29% of all adults) are users of tobacco, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2016-17.
    • The most prevalent form of tobacco use in India is smokeless tobacco.
  • It is one of the major causes of death and disease in India and accounts for nearly 1.35 million deaths every year. India is also the second largest consumer and producer of tobacco.
• Related Government Initiatives:
  • National Tobacco Control Programme
  • Promulgation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance, 2019
  • Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Rules, 2023.
  • National Tobacco Quitline Services (NTQLS)
  • The Union Finance Minister of India announced a 16% increase in National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) on cigarettes in the Budget 2023-24.
  • The Union Health Ministry of India has announced new regulations requiring Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms to display tobacco-related health warnings during streamed content.