WHO report on tobacco control

Context:

• The World Health Organisation (WHO)  has recently released a report on tobacco control measures.

Key Highlights from the Report:

• Globally, the number of smokers has reduced by 300 million, with the prevalence of smoking declining from 22.8% in 2007 to 17% in 2021. 
• Nearly 40% of countries now have completely smoke-free indoor public spaces in order to curb second-hand smoke .
  • Of the estimated 8.7 million tobacco-related deaths each year, 1.3 million are of non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
• Over the past 15 years since the introduction of the MPOWER measures, approximately 5.6 billion people worldwide, representing 71% of the global population, are now protected by at least one of these measures. 
• Mauritius stands out as an example for fully implementing all MPOWER measures.

Dangers of e-cigarettes:

• The progress made so far is being hindered by the tobacco industry’s relentless promotion of E-cigarettes as a safer substitute for traditional cigarettes. 
• However, E-cigarettes are detrimental to both users and those nearby, particularly when used indoors.

How does India fare?

• As per the report, India has the highest level of achievement when it comes to putting health warning labels on tobacco products and providing tobacco dependence treatment.
• With 85% of cigarette packs carrying health warnings both on the front and back, India figures among the top 10 countries in terms of the size of health warnings. The cigarette packets in the country also carry a toll-free number for helping smokers to quit.
• India has also banned the sale of e-cigarettes, and banned smoking in healthcare facilities and educational institutions. 
• One of the biggest steps in the works is implementing warnings on OTT platform content when actors are seen using tobacco products making India the first country in the world to do so. 

News Source: Indian Express