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Letters | How a global treaty has helped combat the deadly tobacco epidemic
Readers highlight the harm caused by tobacco products, and discuss learner-driven approaches to education
Reading Time:3 minutes
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In the past 20 years, tobacco use has dropped by one-third globally, and there are an estimated 118 million fewer tobacco users today compared with 2005.
Why? In large part because 20 years ago this week, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control entered into force. Today the convention has 183 parties, covering 90 per cent of the world’s population. More than 5.6 billion people are protected by at least one tobacco control measure.
For example, 138 countries now require large pictorial health warnings on cigarette packages, 66 countries have implemented bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and over one-quarter of the world’s population is protected by smoke-free laws.
Increased taxes on tobacco products to reduce their affordability remains the most cost-effective tool to reduce consumption. Tobacco taxes can also raise government revenues for tobacco control and health financing.
In 2018, a protocol to eliminate all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products entered into force. Such trade undermines control measures, diminishes tax revenues and fuels criminal activities.
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