Anti-smoking policies: a global progression

In 2017, a WHO report indicated that 63% of the world's population, or 4.7 billion people, were protected by various anti-smoking measures: graphic warnings, advertising bans, smoke-free places, etc. This figure had quadrupled since 2007.

Surveillance that must not be relaxed

These figures were certainly very encouraging. But the WHO (World Health Organization) report nevertheless indicated that the tobacco industry continued to hamper governments' efforts to implement their action plan.

The MPOWER strategy

Strategies to support the implementation of the Framework Convention's measures have already saved millions of people from premature death and hundreds of billions of dollars between 2007 and 2017. Among them is the "MPOWER" measure.

• Monitor: monitor tobacco consumption and prevention policies, • Protect: protect the population from tobacco smoke, • Offer: offer help to those who want to quit smoking, • Warn: warn against the harmful effects of smoking, • Enforce: enforce the ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, • Raise: increase taxes on tobacco

According to Michael R. Bloomberg, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the MPOWER initiative has proven effective and could prevent one in 10 deaths from tobacco use.

In 2017, 43% of the world's population (3.2 billion people) were covered by at least 2 MPOWER measures at the highest level, almost 7 times more than in 2007.

A new report, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, also focused on tobacco use monitoring and prevention policies. The authors found that one-third of countries had comprehensive tobacco use monitoring systems.

Countries with limited resources: possible actions

Resource-limited countries can also combat the tobacco epidemic and implement prevention measures. It is particularly important to study the tobacco industry's tactics: exaggerating economic importance, discrediting proven scientific facts, and using legal procedures to intimidate governments. As of 2017, eight countries, including five low- and middle-income countries, had implemented at least four MPOWER measures at the highest level (Brazil, Ireland, Madagascar, Malta, Panama, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Turkey).

Dr. Douglas Bettcher, Director of the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Disease Prevention (NCD), added: "Tobacco industry interference in public policy is a deadly obstacle to progress in health and development in many countries. But by controlling and blocking these activities, we can save lives and sow the seeds of a sustainable future for all."

©Generation Without Tobacco

[i] “WHO report concludes dramatic 10-year expansion of life-saving tobacco control policies,” www.cho.int, July 19, 2017,

https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/detail/19-07-2017-who-report-finds-dramatic-increase-in-life-saving-tobacco-control-policies-in-last-decade

©DNF - For a Zero Tobacco World |