WHO seeks to further curb tobacco ads
Urging countries to ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, the World Health Organisation (WHO) appealed for stronger legislation and enforcement to prevent tobacco-related deaths. It is estimated that nearly 1.3 million people die of tobacco-related illnesses every year in Southeast Asia.
Raising an alarm about the fact that nearly three in four children between the ages of 13 and 15 are exposed to pro-cigarette ads on billboards and pro-tobacco messages at sports and other events, the WHO said that these advertisements have been proven to influence them to start smoking.
“Tobacco products are the only legally available products that can kill up to one half of their regular users if consumed as recommended by the manufacturer,” it said.
The international health agency monitors and draws global attention to the activities and practices of the tobacco industry in conformity with World Health Assembly Resolution WHA54.18 and the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“Statistics show that banning tobacco advertising and sponsorship is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce tobacco demand. A comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship could decrease tobacco consumption by an average of about seven per cent, with some countries experiencing a decline in consumption of up to 16 per cent,” said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO regional director for Southeast Asia.
“Our efforts should focus on preventing the youth from being exposed to all forms of tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship. Enforcement of a ban on sale of tobacco to minors should also be strengthened,” he added.
Research states that about one in 10 students had an object with a cigarette brand logo and one in 10 students had been offered free cigarettes by a tobacco company in the region. Seven in 10 students saw cigarette brand names when watching sports events on television.
“Effective monitoring, enforcement and sanctions along with high community awareness are essential for implementing a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Although most countries have tobacco control laws, a ban on advertising of tobacco products needs to be enforced”, said Bhavna Mukhopadhyay, executive director, Voluntary Health Association of India.
Each year, the tobacco industry spends billions of dollars around the globe on advertising, sponsorships, and other forms of promotion.
Tobacco companies develop massive marketing campaigns to entice specific populations, such as women and young people, to become long-term smokers.
Studies show that tobacco marketing recruits new tobacco users, maintains use among current users, reduces a tobacco user’s willingness to quit, and encourages former users to start using tobacco again.
Therefore, only comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are truly effective at reducing tobacco use.
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