#tobacco-control

#tobacco-control

Between 2000 and 2020, smoking prevalence in the region fell from 54% to 23%, an achievement that demonstrates "strong political commitment, comprehensive policies and community engagement," said Catharina Boehme, officer-in-charge of WHO South-East Asia, in a statement earlier this month. Experts say the decline shows the success of long-term public health initiatives. Most Southeast Asian countries have strengthened their policies on taxation, packaging, advertising bans, and public smoking restrictions,

They are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.

Launched in 2012, the "Tips From Former Smokers" public service announcements featured testimonials from real-life former smokers who shared their personal experiences. Their heartfelt calls to action encouraged viewers that they could quit too, like the message from Terrie, a North Carolina woman who spoke with the assistance of an electronic voice box. The former smokers in the PSAs opened up about health issues that resulted from years of smoking: cancer, gum disease, heart disease, HIV complications, and stroke. They were convincing.

The Tobacco Taxation Directive overhaul, stalled by Big Tobacco lobbying, is crucial for harmonizing tax regimes and curbing youth uptake of new tobacco products.