tobaccocontrol

Tobacco control is a field of public health focused on reducing the health, social, and economic burdens of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. It encompasses policies, programs, and research designed to prevent initiation, promote cessation, and protect people from secondhand smoke.

Core strategies are often described as demand reduction and supply reduction. Demand reduction includes price increases through taxation, prominent health warnings, mass media campaigns, and smoke-free environments, along with expanded access to cessation services. Supply reduction involves banning or restricting tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; enforcing age limits and licensing for sales; product standards; and measures to combat illicit trade and smuggling.

Global governance and frameworks provide structure for national action. The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), adopted in 2003 and entering into force in 2005, offers a treaty-based framework for international cooperation. In addition, the MPOWER package outlines six evidence-based measures: Monitor tobacco use; Protect from exposure to tobacco smoke; Offer help to quit; Warn about dangers; Enforce bans on advertising and promotion; Raise taxes.

Implementation varies by country, reflecting differences in politics, economy, and culture. Challenges include industry interference, cross-border marketing, and illicit trade, as well as debates over the regulation of new products such as electronic nicotine delivery systems. Despite these challenges, tobacco control efforts have contributed to declines in smoking prevalence in many regions and to reductions in tobacco-related morbidity and health costs, with ongoing work to close remaining gaps in coverage and effectiveness.