An important message from the Editor, Ruth Malone on the Tobacco Control policy regarding publishing papers based on data submitted to regulatory agencies: The rapid growth of funding for research to inform tobacco regulation in the United States and elsewhere has raised issues about how the journal handles materials that may have been submitted to […]
Category: Legislation and Policy
US: Child Workers in Danger on Tobacco Farms
A Human Rights Watch report which included interviews with more than 100 child tobacco farm laborers in the South of the US has ruled that tobacco farming is so hazardous to children, it must be stopped. The report documents how children are sickened by nicotine and toxic pesticides, work long hours in extreme heat without […]
Will the UK government go ahead with standardised tobacco packaging or not?
Deborah Arnott Chief Executive, ASH UK It seems like a straightforward question, but as is often the case there isn’t a simple answer. The UK parliament has passed primary legislation which allows it to introduce standardised packaging by regulation, but the government hasn’t yet made a decision to go ahead. This primary legislation is […]
Japan: Prime Minister appoints tobacco executive to board of national broadcaster
Earlier this year, tobacco control advocates from around the world supported an effort by their counterparts in Japan to block a proposed appointment of Mr Katsuhiko Honda, former President of Japan Tobacco, to serve on the Board of Governors of NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster (Japan’s equivalent of the BBC). Unfortunately, the temporary success there […]
Eurovegas and the challenge to Spain’s smoke-free law: neoliberalism vs public health
Aser García Rada, Madrid The Spanish law banning smoking in all public premises since January 2010 has become one of the greatest national public health achievements in decades. It modified a previous law from 2006 that banned smoking in enclosed working environments but allowed it in certain bars and restaurants. The tobacco lobby fought […]
China’s investment in Africa: consequences for tobacco control?
Sue Lawrence, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Recently, China’s economic growth recently may have fallen below its expected 6% rate, but it is more of dip than an indication of decline. Its pursuit of new markets is likely to continue undeterred (1) and this may have spillover effects for tobacco control. […]
While the UK calls for more evidence, new Australian study shows cigarette plain packaging works
Plain cigarette packaging works: study By Sunanda Creagh, The Conversation and Alexia Attwood, The Conversation This article was originally published at The Conversation. Plain packaging on tobacco products is associated with lower smoking appeal, greater support for the policy and a higher urgency to quit among adult smokers, a new study has found. Since last […]
New WHO report: more tobacco advertising bans, smoke free spaces save millions of lives
The World Health Organisation Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2013 was launched in Panama City on 10 July. Panama was selected as the venue for this high level, global event in recognition of the country’s leadership in tobacco control. The report shows the number of people worldwide covered by at least one life-saving […]
World No Tobacco Day: a wrap up of reports and pictures from around the world
World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is held every year on 31 May. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners everywhere highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. In 2013, the theme was ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. A comprehensive ban of all tobacco […]
World No Tobacco Day in the Western Pacific
Report credit: Annabel Lyman, FCA Pacific Island Countries Coordinator Every year, WHO recognizes individuals or organisations in each of the six WHO Regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control. There were 6 awardees in the Western Pacific region this year including the Cook Islands Ministry of Health. The Cook Islands ratified […]