TOBACCO CONTROL IN PAKISTAN; CURRENT CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

Tobacco use in any form is deadly. Smoking kills more then half of all regular users, and smokers die on average of 15 to 20 years earlier than non-smokers. Tobacco attributable mortality is increasing rapidly in Pakistan. According to WHO 2008 report 32% males and 6% females smokes in Pakistan. Youth smoking prevalence is from 10% to 15%. Significant number of people also uses smokeless tobacco in the form of Paan, Gutka, Naswar etc. Pakistan Tobacco Company reported 17% rise in its sales from January to September 2008 compared to 2007. Rise in profit of 9.3% was from the increased sales volume and rest because of increase in the price of cigarettes. Chest physicians can play an important role in controlling tobacco epidemic in Pakistan. Over 50% mortality from lung diseases is tobacco related and thus preventable. In order to curb the growing tobacco epidemic in Pakistan we do not need to re-invent the wheel. Several tobacco control measures have proven track record, which if implemented in Pakistan can slow down the tobacco epidemic. A. Smoke Free Public and Work places: Comprehensive smoke free policies and its implementation improve health, motivates smokers to quit and help reduce tobacco consumption. Unfortunately our law which calls for prohibition of smoking at all public places is not being implemented in the country. Research has shown that smoke free policy is only effective if all indoor public places are completely smoke free. In spite of a total ban our restaurants /hotels continue to allow smoking at their premises. Even famous fast food chains which are completely smoke-free in other parts of the world are openly violating the smoking ban in their outlets in Pakistan. Following measures are suggested to implement the law Mass Media campaign on the need for smoke free indoor public places. Strong message from MOH to all hotel chains, restaurant owners, banks, hospitals, educational institutions asking them to implement the law. Random checks from Tobacco Control Committees at provincial and city government levels.