WHO's Global Tobacco Control Efforts

Graphic Health Warnings

Health warnings have been instrumental in reducing tobacco use, with India positioned as a leader in implementing best-practice-level graphic health warning labels in 2024, according to a WHO report.

• The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) emphasizes graphic health warnings as a crucial measure.
• Since 2007, the number of countries using these warnings has significantly increased from 9 to 110, covering 62% of the global population.
• Currently, 110 countries protect five billion people with strong graphic health warnings, a substantial increase from 2007.
• The average size of these warnings grew from 28% in 2007 to nearly 60% in 2024.

India's Achievements and Challenges

India has made significant strides in tobacco control but faces ongoing challenges.

• India's graphic health warnings cover 85% of cigarette packages, among the largest globally.
• While smoking prevalence among adults was 7% in 2023, smokeless tobacco use remains high.
• The National Family Health Survey 2021 indicates 38% of men and 9% of women use tobacco, exceeding the global averages.
• Smoking is banned in indoor public places, but designated smoking areas are permitted at certain facilities.

Advertising and Promotion Regulations

India has implemented comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising and promotion across various media, yet further measures are required.

• In 2012, Tobacco-Free Films and Television Rules were introduced to curb tobacco depiction in entertainment media.
• In 2023, regulations were extended to cover digital streaming platforms, marking India as a pioneer in digital tobacco control.
• Despite these efforts, challenges remain, such as allowing tobacco advertising at points of sale.

Global Context and Future Directions

The WHO highlights the importance of continued vigilance and policy enforcement globally.

• Over 6.1 billion people are covered by at least one life-saving tobacco control policy.
• Countries like Brazil, Mauritius, The Netherlands, and Turkey have implemented the full MPOWER package.
• Concerns include the affordability of cigarettes and the aggressive marketing of e-cigarettes to young people.
• Increasing taxes on tobacco products is recommended to make them less affordable.

Tobacco Taxation in India

Tobacco taxation remains the least adopted MPOWER measure in India.

• Raising tobacco prices is one of the most effective strategies to reduce use, yet cigarettes remain affordable in India.
• Globally, only 15% of the population live in countries where taxes constitute 75% or more of the cigarette price.