MPOWER

MPOWER is an acronym used by the World Health Organization to describe a policy package for tobacco control. Introduced as part of WHO’s broader strategy to reduce tobacco use and aligned with the objectives of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, MPOWER outlines six core measures that governments can implement and monitor. The letters stand for Monitor tobacco use and policies; Protect people from tobacco smoke; Offer help to quit tobacco use; Warn about the dangers of tobacco; Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; and Raise taxes on tobacco.

The package is designed to guide national policy development, provide a framework for ongoing monitoring, and support reporting and accountability at both national and international levels. It emphasizes practical, evidence-based actions that can be adapted to different country contexts and resource levels. MPOWER measures are often implemented in combination with other tobacco-control strategies to strengthen overall effectiveness and to track progress toward global and regional targets.

Impact and usage vary by country, but the MPOWER framework has been widely cited in public health literature and policy discussions as a concise checklist for strengthening tobacco control. It serves as a tool for policymakers, researchers, and international organizations to assess, compare, and improve tobacco-control efforts over time.

Other uses: The acronym MPOWER is also used by organizations outside the WHO framework. For example, MPOWER Financing is a private lender that provides student loans to international students and other noncitizens. These uses are unrelated to the WHO policy package but share the same name.