In the last four decades, Asia has often led the way in the implementation of public health tobacco control measures, according to the authors of the second Series paper, on tobacco control in Asia.

However, despite this long-standing commitment and expertise in controlling tobacco, Asia still has an enormous tobacco problem, with more than half of the world’s tobacco consumed in the region.

Cigarettes are becoming more affordable in some countries (notably China), while only a handful of governments in the region are increasing taxation on cigarettes.

Situations where national monopolies controlling tobacco may come into direct conflict with government public health policies on tobacco, such as in China, are also a particular concern.

According to the paper authors, led by Dr Judith Mackay of World Lung Foundation, Hong Kong, China, “Asia has shown that tobacco control is not the prerogative of high-income countries, and that Asian nations—including low-income and middle-income countries—can grasp the political nettle of tobacco control, and can do so effectively.

However, despite these positive developments, Asia as a whole still faces devastating loss of life and illness if the tobacco epidemic is not brought under control. 

Tobacco use is completely preventable through political will, and proven techniques could reduce this epidemic.  The epidemic will not only be solved in the corridors of clinics and hospitals, but also in the corridors of power.”

Source: The Lancet