Daily Current Affairs : 2-August-2023
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released its report on tobacco control, assessing the progress made since the introduction of the MPOWER measures 15 years ago. These measures were developed to combat the devastating effects of tobacco use on global health. In this essay, we will explore the key findings of the report, the significance of its focus on second-hand smoking, specific achievements in India, and the way forward for further improvements.
MPOWER Measures by WHO
The MPOWER measures, developed by WHO, are a set of strategies to tackle tobacco use and its adverse effects on health. These measures include:
- Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies: Regularly tracking tobacco use patterns and implementing policies to curb its prevalence.
- Protect people from tobacco smoke: Creating smoke-free public spaces to shield non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
- Offer help to quit tobacco: Providing support and resources to help smokers quit their addiction.
- Warn about the dangers of tobacco: Implementing clear and prominent health warning labels on tobacco products to inform consumers about the associated health risks.
- Enforce bans on tobacco advertising: Prohibiting tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship to reduce its appeal, especially to the youth.
- Raise taxes on tobacco products: Increasing the price of tobacco products through taxation to deter consumption and fund tobacco control efforts.
Global Progress on Tobacco Control
The report highlights some encouraging achievements in global tobacco control:
- There are 300 million fewer smokers worldwide compared to 15 years ago, with smoking prevalence declining from 22.8% in 2007 to 17% in 2021.
- 71% of the global population, equivalent to 5.6 billion people, are now protected by at least one of the MPOWER measures, up from just 5% in 2008.
- The number of countries implementing at least one MPOWER measure has increased significantly, from 44 countries in 2008 to 151 in 2022.
- Brazil, Turkiye, Netherlands, and Mauritius have emerged as exemplary countries by implementing all the MPOWER measures.
- Approximately 40% of countries have achieved the milestone of completely smoke-free indoor public spaces.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite the progress, there remain challenges in implementing the MPOWER measures across the globe:
- At least 44 countries have not yet adopted any MPOWER measure, leaving their populations vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco.
- Smoking is still not completely banned in healthcare facilities in 53 countries, posing risks to patients and healthcare workers.
- Only half of the countries have established smoke-free workplaces and restaurants, indicating room for improvement in protecting employees and the public.
Significance of Controlling Second-Hand Smoking
The report emphasizes the importance of controlling second-hand smoking, as it has severe health implications:
- An estimated 1.3 million non-smokers die annually due to exposure to second-hand smoke, accounting for a significant portion of the 8.7 million tobacco-related deaths each year.
- Second-hand smoke is linked to hundreds of thousands of deaths from heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, lower respiratory disease, and diabetes.
- Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at higher risk of developing severe asthma, respiratory tract infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
India’s Progress in Tobacco Control
India has made commendable strides in tobacco control, as highlighted by the report:
- India has achieved one of the highest levels of achievement in placing health warning labels on tobacco products. About 85% of cigarette packs carry prominent warnings on both the front and back.
- The country has also taken steps to provide tobacco dependence treatment and banned the sale of e-cigarettes, demonstrating a commitment to public health.
- Implementing warnings on Over-The-Top (OTT) platform content featuring actors using tobacco products is a significant upcoming measure.
Bengaluru’s Contribution
The WHO report specifically mentions Bengaluru’s success in tobacco control measures:
- Various awareness campaigns in the city have led to a remarkable 27% reduction in smoking in public places.
The Way Forward for India
While India has made considerable progress, there are still areas for improvement:
- A need to ban the loose sale of cigarettes, which enables buyers, particularly college students, to avoid health warnings and quit-line information.
Important Points:
- WHO’s MPOWER measures include monitoring tobacco use, protecting people from smoke, helping quit tobacco, warning about dangers, banning advertising, and raising taxes on tobacco products.
- Globally, there are 300 million fewer smokers compared to 15 years ago, and smoking prevalence has declined from 22.8% in 2007 to 17% in 2021.
- 71% of the world’s population (5.6 billion people) are now protected by at least one MPOWER measure, up from 5% in 2008.
- The number of countries implementing at least one MPOWER measure has increased from 44 to 151.
- Brazil, Turkiye, Netherlands, and Mauritius have implemented all MPOWER measures.
- About 40% of countries have smoke-free indoor public spaces.
- Challenges include 44 countries not implementing any MPOWER measure, 53 countries not banning smoking in healthcare facilities, and only half having smoke-free workplaces and restaurants.
- Second-hand smoke is linked to 1.3 million deaths of non-smokers annually, contributing to 8.7 million tobacco-related deaths each year.
- India has made significant progress by placing health warning labels on 85% of cigarette packs and banning e-cigarettes.
- Bengaluru witnessed a 27% reduction in smoking in public places due to awareness campaigns.
- India should consider banning the loose sale of cigarettes to ensure health warning exposure for all buyers.
- The focus on controlling second-hand smoke and implementing stringent measures is crucial for public health.
- Continued efforts in tobacco control will lead to a smoke-free and healthier world for future generations.
Why In News
Recently, the World Health Organisation’s comprehensive report on tobacco control was unveiled, shedding light on the latest developments and challenges in the fight against tobacco-related health issues. The report serves as a crucial call to action, urging governments and policymakers to implement evidence-based strategies for reducing tobacco consumption and safeguarding public health worldwide.
MCQs about WHO’s Report on Tobacco Control
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What are the key elements of WHO’s MPOWER measures for tobacco control?
A. Monitor tobacco use, offer help to quit tobacco, raise taxes on tobacco products, and protect people from tobacco smoke.
B. Monitor tobacco use, warn about dangers of tobacco, raise taxes on tobacco products, and enforce bans on tobacco advertising.
C. Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies, protect people from tobacco smoke, offer help to quit tobacco, and raise taxes on tobacco products.
D. Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies, protect people from tobacco smoke, offer help to quit tobacco, and enforce bans on tobacco advertising.
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What is the significance of controlling second-hand smoking ?
A. It has been linked to almost 400,000 deaths due to heart disease.
B. It has been linked to over 150,000 deaths due to stroke and lower respiratory disease each.
C. It has been linked to severe asthma and respiratory tract infections among children.
D. It has been linked to an estimated 8.7 million tobacco-related deaths each year.
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What specific achievement does India hold in tobacco control?
A. Banning smoking in public places
B. Implementing warnings on OTT platform content featuring tobacco products
C. Implementing all MPOWER measures
D. Providing tobacco dependence treatment
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