World Smoking Programs: Global Review
1. European region: advanced practices and new challenges
The European region leads in the global fight against smoking, thanks to the combination of strict legislative measures, large -scale educational campaigns and affordable assistance programs to refuse smoking. However, despite significant progress, significant differences between the countries are preserved, and new challenges associated with the spread of electronic cigarettes and new nicotin -containing products appear.
1.1. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco (RKBT WHO): European adaptation and immutation
RKBT WHO is the cornerstone of the international struggle against smoking. The European Union (EU) and its member states actively participated in the development and implementation of the Convention. At the EU level, this is expressed in the adoption of directives, such as the directive of tobacco products (TPD), which sets general standards for the production, packaging and sale of tobacco products in the domestic market.
1.1.1. Tobacco products directive (TPD): key positions and influence
TPD (2014/40/EU) makes significant changes to the regulation of tobacco products in the EU. Key provisions include:
- Graphic warnings about the harm to health: Mandatory placement of graphic images that demonstrate the negative consequences of smoking on both sides of the packaging of tobacco products. The size of the warnings should be at least 65% of the packaging area. Studies show that graphic warnings are more effective than textual, in informing consumers about the risks of smoking and motivating them to abandon it.
- Prohibition of flavored tobacco products: A ban on the sale of cigarettes and tobacco for cigarettes with characteristic aromas, such as menthol or vanilla. The goal is to make smoking less attractive, especially for young people. Studies show that flavored products are more attractive for beginner smokers.
- Regulation of electronic cigarettes: TPD includes provisions that regulate electronic cigarettes, including quality requirements, safety and marking. The maximum concentration of nicotine in liquids for electronic cigarettes is limited to 20 mg/ml. Manufacturers must notify the competent authorities about their products before entering the market.
- Tracking and traceability: The introduction of a system for tracking and traceability of tobacco products to combat smuggling and fake. Each packaging of tobacco products should be uniquely identified, which allows you to monitor its movement throughout the supply chain.
The influence of TPD on a decrease in the prevalence of smoking in the EU is the subject of research. Some studies show that TPD has contributed to a decrease in tobacco consumption, especially among young people. However, other studies note that the TPD effect can be limited due to the spread of illegal tobacco products and the use of electronic cigarettes.
1.2. National programs: variety of approaches and best practices
European countries are developing and implementing their own national smoking programs adapted to local conditions and needs.
1.2.1. UK: advanced strategies and reducing the prevalence of smoking
Great Britain is one of the leading countries in the fight against smoking. The Tobacco Control for England strategy provides for a number of measures aimed at reducing the prevalence of smoking to 5% by 2030. Key elements include:
- Increased excise taxes on tobacco products: The UK has one of the highest excise taxes on tobacco products in the world. High prices for tobacco scare away potential smokers and motivate existing smokers to refuse smoking.
- A ban on smoking in public places: The ban on smoking in closed public places, including bars, restaurants and jobs, was introduced in 2007. This reduced the effect of passive smoking on non -smokers and made smoking less socially acceptable.
- Active support for smoking refusal: The National Health Service (NHS) provides free services to support smoking, including consultations, nicotine replacement therapy and other drugs. Services are available both in full -time and remote format.
- Permanent public campaigns: Regular public campaigns inform the population about the dangers of smoking and motivate to abandon it. Campaigns use various communication channels, including television, radio, Internet and social networks.
- Transition to electronic cigarettes: Great Britain occupies a relatively liberal position against electronic cigarettes, considering them as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes for adult smokers. NHS recommends electronic cigarettes as one of the ways to refuse smoking.
1.2.2. France: a combined approach and neutral packaging
France is also actively fighting smoking. Key elements of the national program include:
- Neutral packaging: Since 2017, all tobacco products have been sold in neutral packaging, without any distinctive signs, logos or colors. This makes tobacco products less attractive, especially for young people.
- Raising prices for tobacco products: France also gradually increases the prices of tobacco products. The goal is to reach the price of 10 euros per pack of cigarettes by 2020.
- Strengthening control over compliance with legislation: The French authorities increased control over compliance with the legislation on the fight against smoking, including the ban on smoking in public places and for the sale of tobacco products to minors.
- Assistance programs to refuse smoking: France provides a wide range of assistance programs in the rejection of smoking, including consultations of doctors, psychologists and addiction specialists. Part of the expenses for nicotine pre -therapy is covered with medical insurance.
1.2.3. Sweden: Snus and “Swedish experience”
Sweden has the lowest smoking level in Europe, which is often explained by the widespread widespread snap – varieties of blessing tobacco. The snus, although it contains nicotine, is considered less harmful than smoking, since it is not associated with inhalation of combustion products. “Swedish experience” is the subject of discussions in other countries, since some experts believe that the SNU can be used as a means of reducing tobacco harm, while others are afraid that it can lead to nicotine dependence and increase the risk of cancer.
1.3. New challenges: electronic cigarettes, heating tobacco and nicotine bags
The distribution of electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating systems (SNT) and nicotine bags creates new challenges for smoking programs.
1.3.1. Electronic cigarettes: the potential for reducing harm and risks for young people
Electronic cigarettes are considered by some experts as a potential means of reducing tobacco harm, since they do not contain resins and other harmful substances formed during the combustion of tobacco. However, electronic cigarettes also contain nicotine, which causes dependence and can negatively affect the development of the brain in young people. There are fears that electronic cigarettes can become a “entrance gate” to smoking for young people. Additional studies are needed to assess the long -term consequences of using electronic cigarettes.
1.3.2. Tobacco heating systems (SNT): “New tobacco” and regulatory gaps
SNT is heated by tobacco, and do not burn it, which, according to manufacturers, leads to the formation of a smaller number of harmful substances. However, SNT still contain nicotine and other toxic substances. SNT regulation varies in different countries. Some countries regulate SNT in the same way as traditional cigarettes, while others use a milder approach. Further research is needed to assess the risks and advantages of SNT.
1.3.3. Nicotine bags: a new form of nicotine dependence
Nicotine bags are small bags containing nicotine, which are placed under the upper lip. They do not contain tobacco, but cause dependence on nicotine. Nicotine bags are quickly gaining popularity, especially among young people. The regulation of nicotine bags is at the initial stage. Additional studies are needed to assess the risks and advantages of nicotine bags and for the development of appropriate regulation measures.
2. North America: from mass campaigns to individualized approaches
North America, especially the USA and Canada, has a rich history of the fight against smoking, starting with large -scale public campaigns and ending with individualized assistance programs to refuse smoking. Despite significant progress, the problem of smoking remains relevant, especially among certain groups of the population, such as young people, people with low socio-economic status and representatives of indigenous peoples.
2.1. USA: multi -level approach and focus for youth
The United States uses a multi -level approach to the fight against smoking, which includes federal, regular and local initiatives. Particular attention is paid to the prevention of smoking among young people.
2.1.1. FDA and regulation of tobacco products
The Office for Sanitary Supervision of the Quality of Food and Medicines (FDA) has broad powers to regulate tobacco products in the United States. FDA can regulate the production, marketing and sale of tobacco products.
- Health warnings: FDA requires that the packaging of tobacco products be placed on harm to health. FDA also plans to introduce graphic warnings about health for health on cigarette packs.
- Prohibition of flavored tobacco products: FDA prohibited the sale of flavored cigarettes, with the exception of menthol. FDA also considers the possibility of banning menthol cigarettes.
- Regulation of electronic cigarettes: FDA regulates electronic cigarettes as tobacco products. FDA requires that electronic cigarette manufacturers receive permission to sell their products. FDA also limits the marketing of electronic cigarettes, especially among young people.
- The Real Cost Campaign: FDA holds a public campaign called The Real Cost, aimed at preventing smoking among young people. The campaign uses various communication channels, including television, Internet and social networks.
2.1.2. CDC and smoking programs
Centers for the control and prevention of diseases (CDC) also play an important role in the fight against smoking in the United States. CDC conducts research, provides financing to the states and local authorities to implement programs to combat smoking and develops recommendations for the prevention and treatment of tobacco dependence.
- Tips From Former Smokers Campaign: The CDC conducts a public campaign called “Tips from Fromer Smokkers”, in which former smokers talk about the negative consequences of smoking for health. The campaign was very effective in motivating smokers to refuse smoking.
- State Tobacco Control Programs: CDC provides states for the implementation of smoking programs. Programs include measures for the prevention of smoking among young people, supporting smoking refusal and protecting from passive smoking.
2.1.3. Truth Initiative: Non -profit organization and fight against the tobacco industry
Truth Initiative is a non -profit organization that is engaged in the fight against the tobacco industry and the prevention of smoking among young people. Truth Initiative conducts public campaigns, finances research and supports young activists who are fighting smoking.
- Truth Campaign: Truth Initiative conducts a public campaign called “Truth”, which exposes the tactics of the tobacco industry and motivates youth not to start smoking. The campaign uses bold and provocative messages to attract the attention of young people.
2.2. Canada: strict regulatory environment and innovative approaches
Canada also has a strict regulatory environment against tobacco products.
2.2.1. Tobacco and Vaping Products Act
Tobacco and Vaping Products ACT is a federal law that regulates the production, marketing and sale of tobacco and wiping products in Canada.
- Graphic warnings about the harm to health: Canada was one of the first countries that introduced graphic warnings about the harm to health on packaging tobacco products. Graphic warnings occupy most of the packaging area.
- Prohibition of flavored tobacco products: Canada banned the sale of flavored cigarettes and waging products.
- Restrictions on tobacco marketing: Canada introduced strict restrictions on tobacco marketing. Advertising of tobacco products on television, radio, newspapers and magazines is prohibited.
- Assistance programs to refuse smoking: Canada provides a wide range of assistance programs to refuse smoking, including doctors consultation, nicotine replacement therapy and other drugs.
2.2.2. Indigenous Communities and Tobacco Control
The problem of smoking is especially relevant among the indigenous peoples of Canada. The Canadian government implements special programs to combat smoking adapted to the needs of indigenous communities. Programs include measures for the prevention of smoking among young people, supporting smoking refusal and increasing awareness of the dangers of smoking.
3. Latin America: growing awareness and regulatory efforts
In Latin America, there is a growing awareness of the dangers of smoking and the activation of regulatory efforts to combat tobacco dependence. However, progress in the region is uneven, and many countries are faced with serious challenges associated with the intervention of the tobacco industry and limited resources.
3.1. Brazil: Leadership in the region and an integrated approach
Brazil is a leader in the fight against smoking in Latin America. The country implements an integrated approach, which includes strict regulatory measures, public campaigns and assistance programs to refuse smoking.
3.1.1. Anvisa and regulation of tobacco products
The National Sanitary Supervision Agency (Anvisa) is responsible for regulating tobacco products in Brazil.
- Prohibition of Tobacco Product advertising: Brazil banned any advertising of tobacco products, including sponsorship of sports and cultural events.
- Graphic warnings about the harm to health: Brazil requires that graphic warnings about the harm to health are placed on the packaging of tobacco products. Graphic warnings occupy most of the packaging area.
- Prohibition of flavored tobacco products: Brazil banned the sale of flavored cigarettes.
- Assistance programs to refuse smoking: Brazil provides a wide range of assistance programs to refuse smoking, including doctors consultations, nicotine substitutional therapy and other drugs.
3.1.2. Public Health Campaigns and Community Involvement
Brazil conducts large -scale public campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of smoking and motivating smokers to refuse smoking. Campances actively use the media and social networks. Particular attention is paid to the involvement of local communities in the fight against smoking.
3.2. Mexico: New Legislation and the fight against tobacco industry
Mexico also activates the efforts to combat smoking. In the country, new legislation was adopted aimed at restricting advertising tobacco products and protection against passive smoking.
3.2.1. General Law for Tobacco Control
General Law For Tobacco Control is a law that regulates the production, marketing and sale of tobacco products in Mexico.
- Prohibition of Tobacco Product advertising: Mexico forbade advertising tobacco products on television, radio, in cinemas and on the streets.
- The ban on smoking in public places: Mexico forbade smoking in closed public places, including restaurants, bars and jobs.
- Graphic warnings about the harm to health: Mexico requires that graphic warnings about the harm to the health of tobacco products are placed on the packaging of tobacco products.
3.2.2. Challenges and Tobacco Industry Interference
Mexico is faced with serious challenges in the fight against smoking associated with the intervention of the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry is actively lobbying against tightening the legislation on the fight against smoking and uses various tactics to promote its products.
4. Asia: a variety of approaches and high prevalence of smoking
Asia is a region with a high prevalence of smoking and a wide variety of approaches to the fight against tobacco dependence. Some countries, such as Singapore and Thailand, implement strict measures to combat smoking, while others, such as China and Indonesia, are faced with serious challenges associated with the intervention of the tobacco industry and cultural features.
4.1. Singapore: strict regulatory environment and high tobacco prices
Singapore has one of the most stringent regulatory media in relation to tobacco products in the world.
4.1.1. Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act
Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act is a law that regulates the advertising, sale and consumption of tobacco products in Singapore.
- Prohibition of Tobacco Product advertising: Singapore banned any advertising of tobacco products, including sponsorship of sports and cultural events.
- Graphic warnings about the harm to health: Singapore requires that graphic warnings about harm to tobacco products are placed on the packaging of tobacco products. Graphic warnings occupy most of the packaging area.
- The ban on smoking in public places: Singapore banned smoking in most public places, including restaurants, bars, shopping centers and bus stops.
- High excise taxes on tobacco products: Singapore has one of the highest excise taxes on tobacco products in the world. High prices for tobacco scare away potential smokers and motivate existing smokers to refuse smoking.
4.1.2. Public Education and Community Outreach
Singapore conducts active public campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of smoking and motivating smokers to refuse smoking. Campances actively use the media and social networks. Particular attention is paid to the involvement of local communities in the fight against smoking.
4.2. Thailand: graphic warnings and a ban on smoking on the beaches
Thailand is also actively fighting smoking. The country was one of the first to introduce graphic warnings about the harm to health on packaging tobacco products.
4.2.1. Tobacco Control Act
Tobacco Control ACT is a law that regulates the production, marketing and sale of tobacco products in Thailand.
- Graphic warnings about the harm to health: Thailand demands that the packaging of tobacco products place graphic warnings about harm to health. Graphic warnings occupy most of the packaging area.
- Prohibition of Tobacco Product advertising: Thailand prohibited tobacco products on television, radio, in cinemas and on the streets.
- The ban on smoking in public places: Thailand banned smoking in most public places, including restaurants, bars, shopping centers and bus stops.
- Lab of smoking on the beaches: Thailand forbade smoking on popular tourist beaches.
4.2.2. Challenges and Cultural Norms
Thailand is faced with some challenges in the fight against smoking related to cultural norms. Smoking is a common social practice in Thailand, especially among men. It is necessary to take into account cultural features in the development and implementation of programs to combat smoking.
4.3. China: the largest tobacco market and difficult situation
China is the largest tobacco market in the world. About 300 million people smoke in the country. The fight against smoking in China is a difficult task due to the strong influence of the tobacco industry and cultural characteristics.
4.3.1. Challenges and the Role of China National Tobacco Corporation
The main challenge in the fight against smoking in China is the strong influence of the Chinese national tobacco corporation (CNTC), which is a monopolist in the production and sale of tobacco products. CNTC receives huge profits from the sale of tobacco and is actively lobbying against tightening legislation on the fight against smoking.
4.3.2. Recent Initiatives and Smoke-Free City Campaigns
Despite difficult conditions, some initiatives to combat smoking are being implemented in China. In some cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, prohibitions on smoking in public places were introduced. Campaigns are held to create “cities free of smoke.”
4.4. India: tobacco chewing and growing popularity of electronic cigarettes
India is faced with unique problems in the fight against smoking associated with the widespread use of chewing tobacco and the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes.
4.4.1. Challenges with Smokeless Tobacco and Gutka
Chewing tobacco, especially hut, is a common form of tobacco consumption in India. Chewing tobacco causes cancer of the oral cavity and other serious diseases. The fight against chewing tobacco is a difficult task due to cultural characteristics and lack of effective regulation measures.
4.4.2. Regulation of E-Cigarettes and Vaping Products
India banned the production, import and sale of electronic cigarettes in 2019. The ban was introduced due to fears that electronic cigarettes could become a “entrance gate” to smoking for young people.
5. Africa: growing tobacco market and limited resources
Africa is a growing tobacco market. The prevalence of smoking in the region is growing, especially among young people. The fight against smoking in Africa is complicated by limited resources and the intervention of the tobacco industry.
5.1. Challenges and Tobacco Industry Targeting
The main challenge in the fight against smoking in Africa is the active promotion of tobacco products tobacco industry. The tobacco industry uses aggressive marketing strategies to attract new smokers, especially among young people.
5.2. Implementation of the WHO FCTC and Regional Efforts
Some countries of Africa are actively implementing the WHO framework convention against tobacco (RKBT WHO). The African Union also makes efforts to coordinate the fight against smoking in the region.
5.3. Focus on Public Awareness and Prevention Programs
In Africa, it is necessary to pay special attention to an increase in awareness of the dangers of smoking and the implementation of smoking prevention programs, especially among young people. It is necessary to use all available communication channels, including the media, social networks and local communities.
6. Global initiatives and international cooperation
The fight against smoking requires global efforts and international cooperation.
6.1. WHO Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI)
The WHO initiative to free from tobacco (TFI) plays an important role in coordinating the fight against smoking around the world. TFI provides technical support to countries in the implementation of the RCBT WHO, conducts research and develops recommendations for combating tobacco dependence.
6.2. Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use
Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use is a global initiative that finances smoking projects in low and medium income countries. The initiative supports the implementation of a policy of combating smoking, a public campaign and a help program to refuse smoking.
6.3. Framework Convention Alliance (FCA)
Framework Convention Alliance (FCA) is a global alliance of non -governmental organizations that are engaged in the fight against smoking. FCA advocates the implementation of the RCBT WHO and provides support to the countries in the fight against the tobacco industry.
7. The future of the fight against smoking: innovation and new approaches
The fight against smoking should continue and adapt to new challenges. It is necessary to develop and introduce innovative approaches that will help reduce the prevalence of smoking and protect people from the harm of tobacco.
7.1. Personalized Interventions and Digital Health Solutions
Personalized interventions and digital solutions in the field of healthcare can be effective in assisting smokers to refuse smoking. Personalized interventions take into account the individual characteristics of the smoker, such as motivation, degree of dependence and related diseases. Digital solutions, such as mobile applications and online consultations, can make assistance in refusing smoking more affordable and convenient.
7.2. Addressing Social and Economic Determinants of Health
It is necessary to take into account social and economic factors that affect the prevalence of smoking. Smoking is more common among people with low socio-economic status. It is necessary to implement programs aimed at reducing health inequality and creating conditions that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
7.3. Countering Tobacco Industry Interference
The fight against smoking requires a constant struggle against the intervention of the tobacco industry. The tobacco industry is actively lobbying against tightening the legislation on the fight against smoking and uses various tactics to promote its products. It is necessary to expose the tactics of the tobacco industry and protect the policy in the fight against smoking from its influence.