A recent study published in the current issue of the scientific journal “The Lancet” established that stringent tobacco control measures, involving higher tobacco taxes, smoke-free workplace laws, advertising bans and large health warnings, are among the most effective strategies nations can adopt to reduce deaths from chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
This study sends a strong communication to all the governments around the world that these scientifically proven control measures to reduce tobacco use are the best and cost-effective ways to protect their citizen’s health. “The International Tobacco Control Treaty, The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control” also called for quick implementation of these measures.
The study involved 23 countries accounting for 80% of the ‘chronic disease burden’ in the developing world and calculated how many deaths could be prevented over 10 years by implementing health interventions to reduce tobacco use and salt intake. The study also calculated the financial costs involved.
