Low and Middle-Income Countries have led with Tobacco Control Policies
Cohen JE, Grilo G, Czaplicki L, et al. Low-income and middle-income countries leading the way with tobacco control policies. BMJ Innov. Ahead of Print. 30 Jan 2022. Doi: 10.1136/bmjinnov-2021-000857. Seven tobacco control policy innovations adopted in low and middle-income countries are highlighted: Large health warning labels, Instituting single brand presentation, Additive ban, Banning the sale of a popular smokeless tobacco product (SLT), Strengthening penalties for illicit tobacco product trade, Tobacco-free generation, Banning tobacco company corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Authors conclude: “It is encouraging and inspiring that innovation in tobacco control policy interventions continues to occur across the world, including in LMICs. The policies we highlight here demonstrate global leadership by LMICs in four of the six WHO regions. High-income countries should follow the lead of these LMICs and be more aggressive in both adopting and enforcing tobacco control policies. It is essential that jurisdictions continue to implement new and stronger policies so the “dose” of these critical interventions does not wane with time.” https://innovations.bmj.com/content/8/1/4
Comment: Thailand’s adoption of 85% health warning labels is mentioned.
Stephen Hamann
