Central Idea

• The WHO has released a report on the progress made in global tobacco control in the last 15 years.
• The report highlights the impact of the MPOWER measures, introduced by WHO, to combat tobacco use and protect public health.

What are MPOWER measures by WHO?

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a set of global health targets known as “MPOWER measures” to address the global tobacco epidemic.
• These measures are evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing tobacco use and its associated health risks.
• The MPOWER measures were developed to assist countries in implementing effective tobacco control policies and interventions.
• The term “MPOWER” is an acronym, with each letter representing a specific area of focus:

1. M – Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
2. P – Protect people from tobacco smoke
3. O– Offer help to quit tobacco use
4. W – Warn about the dangers of tobacco
5. E – Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship
6. R – Raise taxes on tobacco products

Key Findings of the Report

• Reduction in Smoking: Globally, there are 300 million fewer smokers today, with smoking prevalence declining from 22.8% in 2007 to 17% in 2021. In a city-specific example, hundreds of enforcement drives and awareness campaigns resulted in a 27% reduction in smoking in public places.
• Impact of MPOWER Measures: The MPOWER measures have positively impacted tobacco control efforts worldwide. 71% of the global population, or 5.6 billion people, are protected by at least one MPOWER measure, up from 5% in 2008. The number of countries implementing at least one measure has increased from 44 to 151.
• Global Challenges: Despite progress, 44 countries still do not implement any MPOWER measure, and there are shortcomings in enforcing smoke-free policies in healthcare facilities and restaurants.
• Focus on Second-Hand Smoke: The report emphasizes the importance of curbing second-hand smoke, which causes significant health risks, including 1.3 million tobacco-related deaths among non-smokers annually. India is among the countries making efforts to control this aspect.

India’s Achievements and Areas for Improvement

• Health Warning Labels: India ranks among the top 10 countries for having health warning labels on cigarette packs, with 85% of packs carrying warnings on both sides.
• Ban on E-cigarettes: India has implemented a ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, which WHO recognizes as an essential step in curbing the tobacco epidemic.
• Smoking Bans: India has banned smoking in healthcare facilities and educational institutions, although there is scope for improvement in terms of enforcement.
• Warnings on OTT Platforms: India is taking significant steps to implement warnings on over-the-top (OTT) platform content showing tobacco use, making it the first country to do so. This move is crucial, given the increased subscriptions to OTT platforms during the pandemic.

Expert Perspectives

• Experts suggest the need for further amendments to India’s comprehensive tobacco control laws, with specific attention to banning the loose sale of cigarettes.
• Implementing warnings on OTT platforms is seen as a necessary measure to reach a broader audience, especially young viewers.

Conclusion

• The WHO report highlights the global progress in reducing smoking prevalence and implementing tobacco control measures.
• While India has made significant strides in certain aspects of tobacco control, there are areas that require continued attention and action.

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