Strictly control the use of cigarettes and tobacco for generations

“THE World Health Organization reports that smoking kills more than eight million people each year, with approximately 1.2 million of these deaths attributed to diseases caused by passive smoking. As a result, the WHO refers to the casualties from smoking as the ‘tobacco pandemic’.

 

An Ipsos Global Prediction report has identified the countries with the highest smoking rates worldwide, also highlighting the public health concerns associated with smoking. According to the report, Nauru, an island in the Pacific Ocean, has the highest smok­ing rate, with 48.3 per cent of its population identifying as smokers. It is followed by Myanmar with 44.4 per cent of the smoking rate, Indonesia with 38.2 per cent, and Timor-Leste with 38.7 per cent, all of which have significant smoking populations.

 

Currently, controlling the loss of life due to tobacco use is challenging due to weak pol­icies regulating tobacco abuse, inconsistent enforcement of the rule of law, and the high production of e-cigarettes. Therefore, world leaders need to collaborate in addressing undisciplined smoking.

 

Practically, the global facts and figures show a de­clining rate of smokers world­wide, thanks to the efforts of the World Health Organiza­tion and countries around the world to control tobacco use. Most countries manage the implementation of tobacco control policies by increasing taxes on the tobacco trade, prohibiting cigarette adver­tisements, and raising public health awareness through health warnings on tobacco packaging. However, some countries have not been suc­cessful in controlling tobacco use due to various challenges.

 

Myanmar signed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Conven­tion on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003 and enacted the Control of Smoking and Consumption of Tobacco Products Law in 2006. This law prohibits the sale of cigarettes to individuals under 18 years of age, as well as the sale of cigarettes within school compounds and a 100-foot radius of school grounds. Additionally, Myanmar’s law bans tobacco advertising, sales promotions, and the use of tobacco sales revenue for public welfare purposes. Offenders may face penalties and punishments.

 

As Myanmar is listed among the countries with the highest smoking rates globally, it is essential to implement strong efforts to control smoking and the tobacco trade. Officials should focus on reducing tobacco cultivation and replacing it with alternative crops for public consumption. Additionally, increasing taxes on tobacco and cigarettes is crucial to addressing the challenges associated with their use. By taking these steps, we can ensure a brighter future for the younger generations.