Plain packaging will lessen the use of tobacco - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Plain packaging will lessen the use of tobacco

ByPoonam Khetrapal Singh
May 27, 2016 10:51 AM IST

In the WHO South-East Asia Region( SE AR ), nearly 1.3 million people die everyyeardue to tobacco usage. That’ s 150 deaths per hour. Nearly 246 million adults smoke this cancercausing agent while 290 million consume its smokeless forms. One of the most powerful ways to curb tobacco use is to opt for plain packaging. This means that logos, colours, brand images or promotional information are removed from the product packet. Instead, tobacco packaging features blackand-white or other contra sting colour combinations, a brand name, a product name and/or a manufacturer’s name and most importantly, graphic health warning son it. The product then will be less appealing.

HT Image
HT Image

Australia is the pioneer of plain packaging since December 2012. Research shows that plain tobacco packages have diminished appeal and have resulted in declining rates of tobacco use. Today, Australia’ s daily smoking rate in the 14+ age group has declined from 15.1% to 12.8% (2010-13). At present, France, Britain andIrelandarefollowing the Australian example.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The passage of plain-packaging legislation has been limited to rich countries. This needs to change. While tobacco consumption is on a downward trend in these countries, the opposite is true in low-and middleincome countries. The developing economies of SE AR remain key markets for tobacco companies, who will fight to retain influence, brand loyalty and expand their markets. The cost of allowing this will be disastrous: Economies will be less productive; health care costs will increase; and the tobacco-poverty cycle will become entrenched.

Important steps have been taken to control tobacco use across the SE AR. Tenofthe region’ s 11 member countries are parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WFCTC) and they have implemented tobacco control legislation in line with the Convention’s provisions. Nepal, for example, has decided to have health warnings cover 90% of the principal display area of tobacco packs, while in Thailand health warnings cover 85% of cigarette packs on both sides. India recently increased the size of warnings from 40% on the front to 85% on both sides of all tobacco products packs. But there is room for improvement. Children, youth and adults in countries across SEAR continue to be subjected to pro-tobacco messages in media. This must stop.

The Seventh Session of the Conference of Parties tot heWFCTC,w hi ch will be hosted by India in November, will bean opportunity to do that. Plain packaging is being considered by lawmakers in India. Beyond a desire to protect the profit margins of big tobacco, there can be no reason to oppose plain packaging. With plain packaging, individuals will remain free to consume tobacco products but will be more empowered to decide otherwise. This will increase economic productivity and lessen the burden tobacco-related illnesses represent to health services and taxpayers.

Poonam Khetrapal Singh is regional director, WHO South­East Asia Region

The views expressed are personal

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch Now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On