WHO calls for an increase in the price of tobacco
Last reviewed: 30.05.2018
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The World Health Organization in a recent report noted that all countries without exception underestimate the increase in the tax rate on tobacco products as an effective method of fighting smoking, which leads to high mortality and insufficient funding for health services.
This year's report on the widespread use of cigarettes, especially in some countries, underscores the importance of raising taxes on tobacco products, regardless of the fact that more than 30 countries have already set a cigarette tax equal to 75% or more of the retail price of one pack, in most countries, the tax rate remains quite low, and in some such taxes are not established at all.
It has already been proven that increasing the tax on tobacco products is the most effective method of combating smoking. According to Margaret Chan, the head of the WHO, despite the fact that the tobacco business brings an impressive income, smoking leads to the painful death of millions of people, so it is very important that the government of all countries realize the need to adhere to this policy.
WHO has developed whole strategies aimed at reducing the demand for cigarettes, for example, the package MPOWER, developed in 2008, saved millions of lives during its existence.
The report pointed out the fact that not all countries have adopted such a method of combating smoking as raising taxes, which is why all governmental actions in this plan are reduced to zero. Since 2008, 11 other countries have passed laws to increase the tax rate on tobacco products and joined other countries that before 2008 already established high taxes on this type of products and in which a low percentage of smokers are observed.
The head of the WHO department on noncommunicable diseases Douglas Buntcher noted that raising taxes and, accordingly, the price of cigarettes, is an effective method of fighting smoking.
Data from China and France clearly show that the increase in the price of cigarettes leads to a reduction in the number of smokers, which, in turn, reduces the number of fatal diseases associated with smoking.
In addition, the report highlights the need to eliminate the illicit distribution of tobacco products in order to confront the illegal market.
Taxes received from the sale of tobacco products are the main source of funding for the health sector.
Diseases that cause smoking are the most widespread public health threat. According to statistics, smoking leads to diseases, of which around 6 million people die each year (one person every 6 seconds). After 15 years, this figure could increase to 8 million, if not take the necessary measures to combat the tobacco epidemic.
In addition, smoking is one of the provoking factors of noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, heart and vascular disease, lungs, and diabetes.
In addition, smoking causes early death, especially in countries with a low and medium standard of living.