This video presents information on global tobacco control
policy, highlighting the programs and policies that
have been proven to stop and reduce
the spread of the tobacco epidemic.
Specific strategies and examples relevant to health care
providers are covered.
Although tobacco use is classified
as an individual behavior, the harmful effects of tobacco
extend beyond the user to affect family, friends, colleagues,
and the environment around them.
Compounding this complex public health
issue even further our tobacco industry actions
and interference with tobacco prevention and control efforts.
Due to these contributing forces tobacco use
is a population level health concern.
Substantial scientific evidence demonstrates
that a population level approach to tobacco
achieves large scale declines in use.
In response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic,
the World Health Organization's Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control, known as the WHO FCTC,
entered into force in 2005.
The WHO FCTC is an evidence based
treaty that reaffirms the right of all people
to the highest standard of health.
Parties who have ratified the treaty cover approximately 90%
of the world population.
Member states that have signed the convention
indicated that they will strive in good faith
to ratify, except, or approve it, and show
political commitment not to undermine the objectives set
forth in it.
The WHO FTCT serves as the foundation for global tobacco
control.
Both demand and supply reduction measures
are included in the WHO FTCT as articles.
To assist in country level implementation of the treaty,
the World Health Organization identified six evidence
based tobacco control measures that
are the most effective in reducing tobacco use.
Known as MPOWER, these measures correspond to the WHO FTCT
articles and guidelines.
These six proven strategies are, "M",
for monitor tobacco use and prevention policies.
"M" is achieved by obtaining nationally
representative and population based data periodically
on key indicators of tobacco use for youth and adults.
"P", for protect people from tobacco smoke.
"P" is achieved by having completely smoke
free environments in all indoor public spaces
and workplaces, including restaurants and bars.
"O", for offer help to quit tobacco use.
"O" is achieved by providing adequate treatment for tobacco
dependence, and promoting cessation of tobacco use
through a national toll-free quit line, and both nicotine
replacement therapy and cessation services, fully
or partially cost covered.
"W" for warn about the dangers of tobacco.
"W" is achieved by including large pictorial health warnings
on all tobacco packaging that describe the harmful effects
of tobacco use on health.
Rotating messages will maximize impact.
"E", for enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion,
and sponsorship.
"E" is achieved by implementing and enforcing bands
on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion,
and sponsorship.
And "R", for raise taxes on tobacco products.
"R" is achieved by increasing the price of tobacco products
through higher taxes, at least 70% of the retail price,
to make tobacco products less affordable.
So that gives us M, P, O, W, E, and R. MPOWER.
Brazil, Uruguay, and Turkey serve as successful MPOWER
country examples.
They have adopted comprehensive laws supported by the WHO FCTC
MPOWER measures, and thus have experienced dramatic declines
in tobacco use.
The experiences from these countries
show that if MPOWER is implemented,
encouraging results will be achieved.
MPOWER measures that are most relevant to health care
providers, but not exclusively, are strategies around "P",
protect people from tobacco smoke, and "O", offer
help to quit tobacco use.
Health care providers are well positioned
to promote smoke free and tobacco free environments
in their hospitals and workplaces,
and to encourage brief tobacco interventions as a part
of routine patient care.
To further support health care providers
role in tobacco control, the World Health Organization,
Code of Practice on Tobacco Control for Health Professional
Organizations provides 14 ways in which health care
associations and providers can engage in tobacco prevention
and control.
Some examples are, be a role model and agent
for change in both your professional and personal life,
advice on cessation, make your workplace and events smoke
free and tobacco free, prohibit the sale and promotion
of tobacco on your premises, influence
health and educational institutions
to include tobacco control in educational curriculum,
and support the WHO FCTC and its implementation.
In closing, tobacco control policies and interventions as
outlined in the WHO FTCT and MPOWER
have tremendous potential to save millions of lives
and ensure protection of the public from the harms
of tobacco use and tobacco smoke exposure.
The impact of the six components of MPOWER,
if implemented in each country as a comprehensive package,
could transform the public's health.
Health care providers have a crucial role
in tobacco prevention and control,
and their strong support has the potential
to impact the future of many generations.
The next video ready to view will discuss smoking cessation
counseling in more detail.