GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Social Justice, Health
Context: The new WHO report on tobacco control highlights global progress, including the implementation of MPOWER measures.
What is the MPOWER measure?
MPOWER measures are tobacco control strategies developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2008. They include:
- M=Monitor tobacco use
- P=Protect people from tobacco smoke
- O=Offer help to quit tobacco
- W=Warn about tobacco dangers
- E=Enforce bans on tobacco advertising
- R=Raise taxes on tobacco products
Key highlights of the Report:
| Highlights | Description |
| Global Smoking Decline | Worldwide, with 300 million fewer smokers today, the prevalence of smoking declined from 22.8% (2007) to 17% (2021) |
| Implementation Progress | Over 5 billion people (71% of the global population) are protected by at least one MPOWER measure |
| Countries Implementing MPOWER | The number of countries implementing at least one MPOWER measure increased from 44 (2008) to 151 (2022). Only 4 counties (Brazil, Turkey, Netherlands, and Mauritius) have implemented all measures. |
| E-cigarettes Warning | WHO warns against the aggressive promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative, especially for youth |
| Second-hand Smoke Impact | Second-hand smoke exposure is linked to over 1 million non-smoker deaths annually, various health issues |
| India’s Achievements | India excels in health warning labels and tobacco dependence treatment; bans sale of e-cigarettes |
| 27% reduction in smoking in public places in Bengaluru due to enforcement and communication efforts | |
| Recommendations | Need for warnings on OTT platforms, stronger enforcement, bans on loose cigarette sales, and increased fines; Bans on tobacco advertising can minimize its consumption |
| Efforts to reduce second-hand smoking through smoke-free public areas and awareness campaigns |
Impact of tobacco smoking:
| Health Issues Due to Tobacco Smoking | |
| General Population | Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, cancer |
| Children and Adolescents | Respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) |
| Pregnant Women | Pregnancy complications, low birth weight, developmental issues |
| Smokers | Lung cancer, COPD, decreased lung function |
| Second-hand Smokers | Respiratory infections, asthma, heart diseases |
| Workforce and Productivity | Increased sick leave, decreased productivity |
| Low-Income Individuals | The financial burden of tobacco-related health issues |
| Elderly Population | Aggravation of age-related health problems |
| People with Pre-existing | Aggravation of existing conditions like asthma and diabetes |
Key initiatives taken by India:
| Initiatives | Description |
| Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 | Enacted to combat the use of e-cigarettes, aiming to address their health risks. |
| National Health Policy 2017 | Aims to reduce tobacco use by 30% by 2025 through awareness and preventive measures. |
| Warnings covering 85% area on tobacco product packs | Mandates large health warnings on tobacco product packs to increase awareness. |
| WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control | India is a party to this international treaty, committed to tobacco control measures. |
| Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA 2003) | prohibition of
· smoking in public places · advertisement of cigarettes · sale of tobacco products to anyone below the age of 18 years · prohibition of selling areas like schools, colleges, etc. |
| National Tobacco Control Programme and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. | |
| 31st May is observed as ‘World No Tobacco Day’ every year to spread awareness about the deadly effects of tobacco consumption. | |
Tobacco cultivation in India: It is one of the important cash crops. Today, India is the second-largest crop producer in the world after China.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
Limiting the discovery of tobacco products can prolong the resistance and not prevent it. India urgently needs a National Tobacco Control Policy with a special focus on children. Comment. (10M)
