It's time to quit - World No Tobacco Day, May 31

It's time to quit - World No Tobacco Day, May 31

May 30, 2011 - Health workers throughout the Pacific region will raise their voices of warning about the dangers of tobacco smoking to a higher level tomorrow (Tuesday, May 31) as countries and territories mark World No Tobacco Day.

As they increase their efforts to persuade people to quit, this year they will also honour the global health treaty - the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The treaty has been ratified by 171 countries, meaning that about 87 per cent of the world's population have access to increased tobacco control measures in their countries.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and other international agencies promote and support Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) in their work to implement FCTC. For those who are not signatories to FCTC, SPC provides support with the development and implementation of comprehensive tobacco control strategies.

Each year, health workers in PICTs organise special events and publicity to mark World No Tobacco Day, including marches, banners, advertising and media coverage.

SPC's Non-communicable Disease Adviser on Tobacco, Jeanie McKenzie, said there had been some notable successes in the Pacific region, but many challenges lie ahead.

'Many countries have made substantial inroads in developing strong tobacco control legislation, including the enforcement of smoke-free public places and substantial tax increases on tobacco products.

'Country after country has banned tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and strengthened health warnings on cigarette packs,' she said.

Australia is currently seeking support for its plan to introduce plain packaging, which would mean that cigarettes are sold in a dark olive brown packet with graphic health warnings on the front and back and the name of the brand of cigarettes written in a plain font, without any marketing or other branding.

The intention is to reduce the appeal of the tobacco products, particularly to young people, and to increase the visibility of the health warning.

PICTs already have written health warnings on most cigarettes, with the exception of some illegally imported cigarettes, and are also starting to embrace graphic warnings, she said.

'We hope cigarettes sold in the Pacific will shortly also only be available in plain packages. The tobacco industry however isn't giving up without a fight and uses every opportunity to challenge the initiatives known to be most effective globally.'

Ms McKenzie said FCTC is focusing on the issue of tobacco industry interference and noted that, as in the rest of the world, PICTs play an important role in demonstrating strong leadership and ensuring public health interests are paramount and at the forefront of the debate.

'With the upcoming UN Summit on NCDs (September 19-20), the world will have plenty of opportunity to reflect on the contribution that tobacco control makes to development and alleviating poverty.'

'The Pacific in a position to make a strong contribution to the negotiations,' she said.

ENDS

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