Ukraine: WHO recommends even more comprehensive approach to tobacco control

In its recent report on tobacco control in Ukraine, based on a mission in June 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Ukraine and analyzes opportunities for future development. As a reminder, Ukraine signed the FCTC on June 25, 2004, and ratified it on June 6, 2006.[1].

Although the report does not fail to praise the efforts made since 2010, such as the ban on advertising tobacco products and the ban on smoking in the workplace, which have contributed to a 20% reduction in the number of smokers, the situation is still far from optimal.

Indeed, smoking still affects 231,000 adults. However, in the region, 861,000 deaths are due to non-communicable diseases. Smoking remains the main factor. Consequently, the report recommends that Ukraine develop a more comprehensive approach to tobacco control to more drastically eradicate smoking.

Beyond the efforts required to effectively implement the law transposing the Convention, the WHO mission addresses the growing popularity of shisha and new tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. It is concerned about the inequalities in protection that these new practices entail, as well as the risk of non-compliance with legal obligations if the vigilance of the supervisory authorities is not increased.

Among its key recommendations, the WHO is addressing tobacco taxes, which should, in the future, more closely align with the country's economic developments to continue to have a real impact on smoking. Furthermore, the WHO warns against tobacco industry interference attempts to undermine state control efforts, and therefore recommends that Ukraine report these actions to national and international regulatory authorities.

©Generation Without Tobacco

Report available: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/439238/Tobacco-control-in-Ukraine-assessment.pdf?ua=1

[1] https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IX-4&chapter=9&clang=_fr

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