Tobacco smoke-free environment is a right
World Environment Day, June 5
Second-hand tobacco smoke is dangerous to health. It causes cancer, heart disease and many other serious diseases in adults. Almost half of the world's children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke, which worsens their asthma conditions and causes dangerous diseases. At least 2 lakhs workers die every year due to exposure to second-hand smoke at work.
Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. It causes 1 in 10 deaths among adults worldwide.
Ensuring a tobacco smoke-free environment is the only way to protect ourselves from the lethal ill effects of tobacco smoke.
According to WHO, there are some 4000 known chemicals in tobacco smoke; more than 50 of them are known to cause cancer in humans. Tobacco smoke in enclosed spaces is breathed in by everyone, exposing smokers and non-smokers alike to its harmful effects.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 2 lakh workers die every year due to exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke at work.
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. Neither ventilation nor filtration, even in combination, can reduce tobacco smoke exposure indoors to levels that are considered acceptable. Only 100% smoke-free environments provide effective protection.
Article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, recognizes that exposure to tobacco smoke causes death, disease and disability, and asks countries to adopt and implement legislation that provides protection from second-hand smoke.
Many countries around the world have already introduced laws to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke in public places. India is one of them.
"An Act on no-smoking in public places has been brought out by the Centre two-and-a-half years ago, but it remained only on paper. Now, we have made a modification in the already enforced rule and from 2 October 2008, the modified rule will be enforced strongly across the country," said Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister.
The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act-2003, of the Government of India has notified revised Rules on the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places on 30 May 2008.
"As per the revised Rules, smoking is banned in shopping malls, cinema halls, public/private work place, hotels, banquet halls, discotheques, canteen, coffee house, pubs, bars, airport lounge, railway stations", said Dr Ramadoss.
Contrary to common belief, smoke-free environments are widely supported by both smokers and non-smokers.
Having a smoke-free environment often saves money for bars and restaurant owners, reducing their risks of fire and consequently their insurance costs. It often results in lower renovation, cleaning and maintenance costs too.
Showing posts with label World No Tobacco Day 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World No Tobacco Day 2008. Show all posts
Enforce existing tobacco control legislations in India
Enforce existing tobacco control legislations in India
Despite of five years having passed by since the globally acclaimed national tobacco control parliamentary Act (The Cigarette and other tobacco products Act 2003) was formed, and more than four years since India had ratified the FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) - which happens to be the world's first global public health and corporate accountability treaty -- the urgent need to contain tobacco-related diseases, morbidity and mortality, remains as compelling.
Tobacco companies have been aggressively promoting their brands and protecting markets, employing lifestyle and glamour imagery and surrogate advertising unabashedly.
Tobacco brand placement in films have been under scanner and India's Union Health Minister Dr Ambumani Ramadoss had reaffirmed recently in an interview that "One of the easiest ways to significantly bring down number of children and youth who get initiated to tobacco use in India, without any budgetary allocation for this public health exercise, is to remove depiction of tobacco use in films and TV".
The impact of these public welfare policy measures is yet to be seen on curtailing tobacco consumption or tobacco related health hazards. Balance sheets of tobacco companies on the other hand have shown remarkable increase in their markets. The Indian Tobacco Company (ITC)'s 2008 quarter report showed an increase of 12% profit margin.
Like other public interest measures, Governments alone cannot bring in the difference unless people are active stakeholders in implementation. The information about tobacco hazards and existing tobacco control policies still remains confined to tobacco control professionals and there is a pressing need to transmit this information about public health policies our governments have agreed to adapt at International forums far and wide.
Tobacco kills almost five million people each year. If current trends continue, it is projected to kill 10 million people a year by 2030, with 70% of those deaths occurring in developing countries. Tobacco also takes an enormous toll in health care costs, lost productivity, and of course the intangible costs of the pain and suffering inflicted upon smokers, passive smokers and their families.
The tobacco epidemic is an international problem. Developing countries are set to bear the brunt of the problem in the future. At present there are about 5.4 million deaths a year worldwide due to tobacco-related disease, with the balance split approximately between developed and developing countries.
The tobacco industry is a global industry. Faced with increased regulation and greater awareness of the health risks of smoking in Europe and North America, the tobacco multinationals are stepping up their activities in developing countries like India in search of new markets.
A number of aspects of the tobacco problem are particularly trans-boundary in nature and can only be dealt with effectively by international action, including:
- Tobacco industry marketing campaigns executed across a number of different countries simultaneously, including through satellite television;
- Smuggling of cigarettes, often coordinated by the tobacco industry on an international level, involving operations in numerous countries.
How effective these tobacco control policies will be in reversing the tobacco epidemic, shall be determined by how committed not only the governments are but also how meaningfully are people engaged, in implementing the obligations contained in the FCTC or national legislations.
Published in
Asian Tribune, Thailand/ Sri Lanka
Freedom for Media, Nepal
The Seoul Times, Seoul, South Korea
Despite of five years having passed by since the globally acclaimed national tobacco control parliamentary Act (The Cigarette and other tobacco products Act 2003) was formed, and more than four years since India had ratified the FCTC (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) - which happens to be the world's first global public health and corporate accountability treaty -- the urgent need to contain tobacco-related diseases, morbidity and mortality, remains as compelling.
Tobacco companies have been aggressively promoting their brands and protecting markets, employing lifestyle and glamour imagery and surrogate advertising unabashedly.
Tobacco brand placement in films have been under scanner and India's Union Health Minister Dr Ambumani Ramadoss had reaffirmed recently in an interview that "One of the easiest ways to significantly bring down number of children and youth who get initiated to tobacco use in India, without any budgetary allocation for this public health exercise, is to remove depiction of tobacco use in films and TV".
The impact of these public welfare policy measures is yet to be seen on curtailing tobacco consumption or tobacco related health hazards. Balance sheets of tobacco companies on the other hand have shown remarkable increase in their markets. The Indian Tobacco Company (ITC)'s 2008 quarter report showed an increase of 12% profit margin.
Like other public interest measures, Governments alone cannot bring in the difference unless people are active stakeholders in implementation. The information about tobacco hazards and existing tobacco control policies still remains confined to tobacco control professionals and there is a pressing need to transmit this information about public health policies our governments have agreed to adapt at International forums far and wide.
Tobacco kills almost five million people each year. If current trends continue, it is projected to kill 10 million people a year by 2030, with 70% of those deaths occurring in developing countries. Tobacco also takes an enormous toll in health care costs, lost productivity, and of course the intangible costs of the pain and suffering inflicted upon smokers, passive smokers and their families.
The tobacco epidemic is an international problem. Developing countries are set to bear the brunt of the problem in the future. At present there are about 5.4 million deaths a year worldwide due to tobacco-related disease, with the balance split approximately between developed and developing countries.
The tobacco industry is a global industry. Faced with increased regulation and greater awareness of the health risks of smoking in Europe and North America, the tobacco multinationals are stepping up their activities in developing countries like India in search of new markets.
A number of aspects of the tobacco problem are particularly trans-boundary in nature and can only be dealt with effectively by international action, including:
- Tobacco industry marketing campaigns executed across a number of different countries simultaneously, including through satellite television;
- Smuggling of cigarettes, often coordinated by the tobacco industry on an international level, involving operations in numerous countries.
How effective these tobacco control policies will be in reversing the tobacco epidemic, shall be determined by how committed not only the governments are but also how meaningfully are people engaged, in implementing the obligations contained in the FCTC or national legislations.
Published in
Asian Tribune, Thailand/ Sri Lanka
Freedom for Media, Nepal
The Seoul Times, Seoul, South Korea
Scaling up of MPOWER tobacco control strategies is vital
Scaling up of MPOWER tobacco control strategies is vital
To read the article in Hindi language, click here
All countries in the world need to scale up the cost-effective, proven and WHO recommended strategies to reduce the number of deaths attributed to tobacco use. The World Health Statistics Report (2008) of WHO released 10 days before this year's World No Tobacco Day (31 May) ups the urgency to scale up quality interventions to control tobacco use.
About half of all countries in the world implement none of the recommended tobacco control policies, despite the fact that tobacco control measures are cost-effective and proven. Moreover, not more than 5% of the world's population is fully covered by any one of these measures.
World Health Statistics Report (2008) had further confirmed that heart disease, obesity, and tobacco use were among the leading causes of deaths worldwide. The number of deaths from non-communicable chronic conditions, the risk to which is exacerbated by tobacco use, is alarmingly rising far more than the number of deaths from communicable diseases like HIV, TB or Malaria.
The single most preventable cause of death world wide, the report stated, is tobacco use. Tobacco use has been found to kill one-third to one-half of its users, according to this report.
Earlier in February 2008, WHO had released the World Tobacco Epidemic Report which underlines not only the evidence-based fact that tobacco epidemic is worsening but also recommends a comprehensive package of six-effective tobacco control policies - clubbed as 'MPOWER' that have demonstrated results in helping countries stop the diseases, deaths and economic damages caused by tobacco use.
The MPOWER package includes:
M: stands for 'monitor' tobacco use and prevention policies. Assessment of tobacco use and its impact must be strengthened.
P: stands for 'protect' people from tobacco smoke. All people have a fundamental right to breathe clean air. Smoke-free places are essential to protect non-smokers and also to encourage smokers to quit.
O: stands for 'offer' help to quit tobacco use. Services to treat tobacco dependence are fully available in only nine countries with 5% of the world's population. Countries must establish programmes providing low-cost, effective interventions for tobacco users who want to quit.
W: stands for 'warn' about the dangers of tobacco use. Despite conclusive evidence, relatively few tobacco users understand the full extent of their health risk. Graphic warnings on tobacco packaging deter tobacco use, yet only 15 countries, representing 6% of the world's population, mandate pictorial warnings (covering at least 30% of the principal surface area) and just five countries with a little over 4% of the world's people, meet the highest standards for pack warnings. More than 40% of the world's population lives in countries that do not prevent use of misleading and deceptive terms such as 'light' and 'low tar'.
E: stands for 'enforce' bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Partial bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, do not work because the industry merely redirects its resources to other non-regulated marketing channels. Only a total ban can reduce tobacco consumption and protect people, particularly youth, from industry marketing tactics. Only 5% of the world's population currently lives in countries with comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
R: stands for 'raised' taxes on tobacco. Raising taxes and therefore prices, is the most effective way to reduce tobacco use, and especially to discourage young people from using tobacco. Only 4 countries, representing 2% of the world's population, have tax rates greater than 75% of retail price.
"Reversing this entirely preventable epidemic must now rank as a top priority for public health and for political leaders in every country of the world" said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO in the summary.
However the global tobacco epidemic stands starkly apart from other conventional disease control programmes because of an aggressive tobacco industry that is hell-bent on protecting and expanding its markets globally, particularly in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. Tobacco corporations across the world have not only been aggressively protecting and promoting their tobacco markets, particularly in the developing countries, but also trying their best to either abort or weaken the public health policies that begin to take shape in countries around the world.
"Big Tobacco's interference in health policy is one of the greatest threats to the treaty's implementation and enforcement. Philip Morris/Altria, British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco (JT) use their political influence to weaken, delay and defeat tobacco control legislation around the world. While the industry claims to have changed its ways, it continues to use sophisticated methods to undermine meaningful legislation" had said Kathy Mulvey of Corporate Accountability International at the recent meeting last year on the global tobacco treaty - the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
The alert monitoring of tobacco corporations and holding them accountable for violating existing health policies will further boost the impact of the WHO's recommended MPOWER package in reducing tobacco use globally.
Published in
Central Chronicle, Madhya Pradesh, India
The Nation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Scoop Independent News, New Zealand
Daily Dispatch, South Africa
Freedom for Media, Nepal
News Blaze, USA
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Indonesia
The Nation, Bangkok, Thailand
The Times of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
The Seoul Times, Seoul, South Korea
Malaysia Sun, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Brunei Times, Brunei Darussalam
Two Circles. Net
The Siyasat Daily (English and Urdu), Hyderabad, India
To read the article in Hindi language, click here
All countries in the world need to scale up the cost-effective, proven and WHO recommended strategies to reduce the number of deaths attributed to tobacco use. The World Health Statistics Report (2008) of WHO released 10 days before this year's World No Tobacco Day (31 May) ups the urgency to scale up quality interventions to control tobacco use.
About half of all countries in the world implement none of the recommended tobacco control policies, despite the fact that tobacco control measures are cost-effective and proven. Moreover, not more than 5% of the world's population is fully covered by any one of these measures.
World Health Statistics Report (2008) had further confirmed that heart disease, obesity, and tobacco use were among the leading causes of deaths worldwide. The number of deaths from non-communicable chronic conditions, the risk to which is exacerbated by tobacco use, is alarmingly rising far more than the number of deaths from communicable diseases like HIV, TB or Malaria.
The single most preventable cause of death world wide, the report stated, is tobacco use. Tobacco use has been found to kill one-third to one-half of its users, according to this report.
Earlier in February 2008, WHO had released the World Tobacco Epidemic Report which underlines not only the evidence-based fact that tobacco epidemic is worsening but also recommends a comprehensive package of six-effective tobacco control policies - clubbed as 'MPOWER' that have demonstrated results in helping countries stop the diseases, deaths and economic damages caused by tobacco use.
The MPOWER package includes:
M: stands for 'monitor' tobacco use and prevention policies. Assessment of tobacco use and its impact must be strengthened.
P: stands for 'protect' people from tobacco smoke. All people have a fundamental right to breathe clean air. Smoke-free places are essential to protect non-smokers and also to encourage smokers to quit.
O: stands for 'offer' help to quit tobacco use. Services to treat tobacco dependence are fully available in only nine countries with 5% of the world's population. Countries must establish programmes providing low-cost, effective interventions for tobacco users who want to quit.
W: stands for 'warn' about the dangers of tobacco use. Despite conclusive evidence, relatively few tobacco users understand the full extent of their health risk. Graphic warnings on tobacco packaging deter tobacco use, yet only 15 countries, representing 6% of the world's population, mandate pictorial warnings (covering at least 30% of the principal surface area) and just five countries with a little over 4% of the world's people, meet the highest standards for pack warnings. More than 40% of the world's population lives in countries that do not prevent use of misleading and deceptive terms such as 'light' and 'low tar'.
E: stands for 'enforce' bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Partial bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, do not work because the industry merely redirects its resources to other non-regulated marketing channels. Only a total ban can reduce tobacco consumption and protect people, particularly youth, from industry marketing tactics. Only 5% of the world's population currently lives in countries with comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
R: stands for 'raised' taxes on tobacco. Raising taxes and therefore prices, is the most effective way to reduce tobacco use, and especially to discourage young people from using tobacco. Only 4 countries, representing 2% of the world's population, have tax rates greater than 75% of retail price.
"Reversing this entirely preventable epidemic must now rank as a top priority for public health and for political leaders in every country of the world" said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO in the summary.
However the global tobacco epidemic stands starkly apart from other conventional disease control programmes because of an aggressive tobacco industry that is hell-bent on protecting and expanding its markets globally, particularly in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. Tobacco corporations across the world have not only been aggressively protecting and promoting their tobacco markets, particularly in the developing countries, but also trying their best to either abort or weaken the public health policies that begin to take shape in countries around the world.
"Big Tobacco's interference in health policy is one of the greatest threats to the treaty's implementation and enforcement. Philip Morris/Altria, British American Tobacco (BAT) and Japan Tobacco (JT) use their political influence to weaken, delay and defeat tobacco control legislation around the world. While the industry claims to have changed its ways, it continues to use sophisticated methods to undermine meaningful legislation" had said Kathy Mulvey of Corporate Accountability International at the recent meeting last year on the global tobacco treaty - the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
The alert monitoring of tobacco corporations and holding them accountable for violating existing health policies will further boost the impact of the WHO's recommended MPOWER package in reducing tobacco use globally.
Published in
Central Chronicle, Madhya Pradesh, India
The Nation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Scoop Independent News, New Zealand
Daily Dispatch, South Africa
Freedom for Media, Nepal
News Blaze, USA
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Indonesia
The Nation, Bangkok, Thailand
The Times of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
The Seoul Times, Seoul, South Korea
Malaysia Sun, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Brunei Times, Brunei Darussalam
Two Circles. Net
The Siyasat Daily (English and Urdu), Hyderabad, India
TambakooKills News Bulletin: 23 May 2008: Issue 384
TambakooKills News Bulletin
Friday, 23 May 2008
Issue 384
Latest Warne scandal: spin king caught smoking… again
News Live, Australia: 22 May 2008
Excerpt
Indian Premier League superstar Shane Warne has been caught by The Hindustan Times smoking a cigarette in the smoke-free Eden Gardens stadium. Warne grabbed similar headlines years ago when he was snapped by a schoolboy smoking a cigarette after signing a deal with an anti-smoking lobby worth a cool $200,000.
To read the complete news, click here
----------------------------------------
Bidi habit poses hidden health risk
The National, United Arab Emirates: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
The first worldwide study to compile existing information about bidi consumption and manufacture - and the health effects of smoking and producing bidis - was published last week.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Poison Moonshine Kills 110 of India’s Poor
Somini Sengupta, New York Times, USA: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
R. Srikumar, the state police chief, said the liquor was spiked with camphor and tobacco and was suspected to have contained toxic methyl alcohol.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Mizoram is India's cancer capital
The Indic Post, Mizoram, India: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
Reports suggest the Mizoram has the highest incidence in the world of four types of cancer; caused mainly by overwhelming consumption of tobacco.
To read the complete news, click here
----------------------------------------
Centre warns NE [North East] on Bidi Smoking
Assam Tribune, Assam, India: 20 May 2008
Excerpt
A report of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a strong note of warning to the North East which has a high prevalence of bidi smoking amongst the younger generation compared to rest of India.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Ramadoss should stop Govt staff from using tobacco: Amitabh Bachchan
Asia Times, Hong Kong/ Thailand: 22 May 2008
Excerpt
Amitabh Bachchan's blog had earlier poked at another prominent target - Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, whose pet peeve, that India's national health is being grievously undermined by actors drinking and smoking on screen, is driving the film community into a frenzy. Bachchan urged Ramadoss to first wean government employees off tobacco.
To read the complete news, click here
*****************************************
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
TambakooKills News Bulletin (21 May 2008): Issue 383
TambakooKills News Bulletin
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Issue 383
Heart diseases and strokes become the world's biggest killers: WHO's WORLD HEALTH STATISTICS 2008 report
The Hindu, India: 21 May 2008
To download the complete World Health Statistics 2008 report, click here (released on 19 May 2008)
Excerpt
Chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke have taken over from infectious diseases as diarrhoea, HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis as the leading causes of death around the globe, says the World Health Statistics 2008 report of World Health Organization (WHO) which was released on 19 May 2008.
"We tend to associate developing countries with infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. But in more and more countries the chief causes of death are non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease and stroke."
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Bidi habit poses hidden health risk
The National, UAE: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
The first worldwide study to compile existing information about bidi consumption and manufacture -- and the health effects of smoking and producing bidis -- was published last week.
The report, titled Bidi Smoking and Public Health, reveals that India, home to the world's largest market of bidi consumers and producers, has more than 100 million bidi smokers. Of these, 2.3 per cent are children.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
India can also import health products and services, tobacco and rum from Cuba
The Hindu, India: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cuba, who is visiting Delhi, Mr Amador said 'while Cuba needs to import food products, health products, transportation and energy services from India, India can also import health products and services, tobacco and rum from Cuba.
Comment: Health and tobacco go together?
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Lifestyle diseases to cost India $237 bn by 2015
The Times of India: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
Smoking, consuming high-calorie fast food and being a couch potato will not only cut short your lifespan but will also cost the country dear.
A report, jointly prepared by the World Health Organization and the World Economic Forum, says India will incur an accumulated loss of $236.6 billion by 2015 on account of unhealthy lifestyles and faulty diet.
To download the complete World Health Statistics 2008 report, click here (released on 19 May 2008)
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
'Tobacco multinationals in Pakistan exploiting growers'
The News, Pakistan: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
Muhammad Ali, President Sarhad Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) Monday claimed the tobacco smokers have been spending Rs100 to 111 billion annually in Pakistan. He told 'The News' the cigarettes worth Rs90-96 billion were being manufactured locally while the rest being smuggled in or imported from countries like China, India and Japan.
He said, "Tobacco earns huge profit as one cigarette is made of one gram tobacco while 1000 cigarettes prepared from one kilogram. The government and multinational companies are minting a huge amount but all including Pakistan Tobacco Board were exploiting the poor farmers," he said.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Shah Rukh Khan smokes at IPL Cricket matches
Meri News, India: 20 May 2008
Excerpt
India's noted film-star and Bollywood heartthrob, 'the King Khan' - Shah Rukh Khan, again smoked cigarette after cigarette in full public view at the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches last week.
Dr Shekhar Salkar from National Organization for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) who has been contributing significantly in strengthening tobacco control in India, was one of the few to raise concerns on the blatant disregard by Shahrukh of the repeated pleas from not only the health advocates, but also of the India's Health and Family Welfare minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, which is also in-sync with the provisions of The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (2003).
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Journalist argues 'creative liberty' against Dr Ramadoss' efforts to advocate for smoke-free films
The Times of India, India: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
"Truth be told, people get subliminal messages about products all the time. Let's face it, everything boils down to individual choice when you have all these products available on the shelves in supermarkets and one gets information from so many mediums these days. These are all aspects of the pop culture today, and it is hypocritical to expect people to conform to them. Such criticism is bound to kill artistic creativity and make people afraid to try something new.
"If the health minister is so worried about people's health, he should try stopping the production of such harmful products. At the end of the day, films are a reflection of the society. I think Mr Ramadoss is using Bollywood to stay in news."
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
'Submissiveness of Ministry of Health is becoming triumph for tobacco industry'
The News, Pakistan: 20 May 2008
Excerpt
The submissiveness of the Ministry of Health and its partners in the crusade against tobacco control in Pakistan is becoming the triumph of the tobacco industry.
No new restrictions on tobacco advertisements; no headway in introduction of rotating or picture-based health warnings on cigarette packs; no ban on designated smoking areas in line with the World Health Organisation's strategy of 100 per cent smoke-free environments; and no major breakthroughs in implementation of the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002 are in the pipeline ahead of the fast approaching World No-Tobacco Day on May 31.
To read the complete news, click here
*****************************************
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Issue 383
Heart diseases and strokes become the world's biggest killers: WHO's WORLD HEALTH STATISTICS 2008 report
The Hindu, India: 21 May 2008
To download the complete World Health Statistics 2008 report, click here (released on 19 May 2008)
Excerpt
Chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke have taken over from infectious diseases as diarrhoea, HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis as the leading causes of death around the globe, says the World Health Statistics 2008 report of World Health Organization (WHO) which was released on 19 May 2008.
"We tend to associate developing countries with infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. But in more and more countries the chief causes of death are non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease and stroke."
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Bidi habit poses hidden health risk
The National, UAE: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
The first worldwide study to compile existing information about bidi consumption and manufacture -- and the health effects of smoking and producing bidis -- was published last week.
The report, titled Bidi Smoking and Public Health, reveals that India, home to the world's largest market of bidi consumers and producers, has more than 100 million bidi smokers. Of these, 2.3 per cent are children.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
India can also import health products and services, tobacco and rum from Cuba
The Hindu, India: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cuba, who is visiting Delhi, Mr Amador said 'while Cuba needs to import food products, health products, transportation and energy services from India, India can also import health products and services, tobacco and rum from Cuba.
Comment: Health and tobacco go together?
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Lifestyle diseases to cost India $237 bn by 2015
The Times of India: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
Smoking, consuming high-calorie fast food and being a couch potato will not only cut short your lifespan but will also cost the country dear.
A report, jointly prepared by the World Health Organization and the World Economic Forum, says India will incur an accumulated loss of $236.6 billion by 2015 on account of unhealthy lifestyles and faulty diet.
To download the complete World Health Statistics 2008 report, click here (released on 19 May 2008)
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
'Tobacco multinationals in Pakistan exploiting growers'
The News, Pakistan: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
Muhammad Ali, President Sarhad Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) Monday claimed the tobacco smokers have been spending Rs100 to 111 billion annually in Pakistan. He told 'The News' the cigarettes worth Rs90-96 billion were being manufactured locally while the rest being smuggled in or imported from countries like China, India and Japan.
He said, "Tobacco earns huge profit as one cigarette is made of one gram tobacco while 1000 cigarettes prepared from one kilogram. The government and multinational companies are minting a huge amount but all including Pakistan Tobacco Board were exploiting the poor farmers," he said.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Shah Rukh Khan smokes at IPL Cricket matches
Meri News, India: 20 May 2008
Excerpt
India's noted film-star and Bollywood heartthrob, 'the King Khan' - Shah Rukh Khan, again smoked cigarette after cigarette in full public view at the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches last week.
Dr Shekhar Salkar from National Organization for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) who has been contributing significantly in strengthening tobacco control in India, was one of the few to raise concerns on the blatant disregard by Shahrukh of the repeated pleas from not only the health advocates, but also of the India's Health and Family Welfare minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, which is also in-sync with the provisions of The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (2003).
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Journalist argues 'creative liberty' against Dr Ramadoss' efforts to advocate for smoke-free films
The Times of India, India: 21 May 2008
Excerpt
"Truth be told, people get subliminal messages about products all the time. Let's face it, everything boils down to individual choice when you have all these products available on the shelves in supermarkets and one gets information from so many mediums these days. These are all aspects of the pop culture today, and it is hypocritical to expect people to conform to them. Such criticism is bound to kill artistic creativity and make people afraid to try something new.
"If the health minister is so worried about people's health, he should try stopping the production of such harmful products. At the end of the day, films are a reflection of the society. I think Mr Ramadoss is using Bollywood to stay in news."
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
'Submissiveness of Ministry of Health is becoming triumph for tobacco industry'
The News, Pakistan: 20 May 2008
Excerpt
The submissiveness of the Ministry of Health and its partners in the crusade against tobacco control in Pakistan is becoming the triumph of the tobacco industry.
No new restrictions on tobacco advertisements; no headway in introduction of rotating or picture-based health warnings on cigarette packs; no ban on designated smoking areas in line with the World Health Organisation's strategy of 100 per cent smoke-free environments; and no major breakthroughs in implementation of the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance 2002 are in the pipeline ahead of the fast approaching World No-Tobacco Day on May 31.
To read the complete news, click here
*****************************************
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
Shahrukh Khan smokes at IPL Cricket matches
Shahrukh Khan smokes at IPL Cricket matches
To read this posting in Hindi language, click here
India's noted film-star and bollywood heartthrob, 'the King Khan' - Shahrukh Khan, again smoked cigarette after cigarette in full public view at the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches last week. To see the photographs, click here and to read the news, click here
Dr Shekhar Salkar from National Organization for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) who has been contributing significantly in strengthening tobacco control in India, was one of the few to raise concerns on the blatant disregard by Shahrukh of the repeated pleas from not only the health advocates, but also of the India's Health and Family Welfare minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, which is also in-sync with the provisions of The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (2003).
Shahrukh Khan and other film-stars have defended smoking-on-screen for 'creativity'.
Ajay Devgan, another leading film-star had said last week (to read click here):
"There should not be a ban on smoking especially in a democracy, where everyone has a right to his opinion. If someone has to make a film on Churchill, how can it be done since he used to smoke cigars regularly? If smoking is banned in films, would you put lollypop in Churchill's mouth instead?"
Dr Ramadoss gave a befitting reply on 11 May 2008 (to read click here)
"Creativity as an art should be used for improving lives instead of taking them"
RECAP
---------
In 2006, while receiving the Luther Terry Award - the world's noted award in tobacco control - Dr Ramadoss had said (to read click here):
In an earlier study done by World Health Organization and Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2003 it was revealed that 76% of Indian movies had tobacco use shown in them. In 1991, where 22% of top box office movie hits had lead characters using tobacco on-screen, in 2002, this escalated to 53% tobacco use depiction by lead characters in Indian movies. This study also demonstrated that 52.2% of children in India who had their first smoke were influenced by tobacco use depicted in movies.
A repeat follow-up study conducted by WHO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India on top box office movie hits during 2004-2005 demonstrated that tobacco use depiction in movies has become more aggressive as compared to previous years. During 2004-2005, 89% of all movies analyzed contained tobacco use on screen and 75.5% movies depicted leading stars using tobacco on screen. Moreover 41% of movies screened had clear and distinct tobacco brand placement.
The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 came into effect since May 31, 2003. Explaining the amendments notified on May 31, 2005, Dr Ramadoss had said that movies showing tobacco use will be given 'A' certificate on the condition that the characters using tobacco on screen agree to do a
disclosure stating tobacco hazards clearly either before, middle or before the end of that movie.
Health warnings in the same language as that of the movie would start scrolling up 1 minute before the use of tobacco is depicted in movies and will end not before another minute after the depiction of tobacco use stops in that movie.
"One of the easiest ways to significantly bring down number of children and youth who get initiated to tobacco use in India, without any budgetary allocation for this public health exercise, is to remove depiction of tobacco use in films and TV"
On 27 January 2008 Dr Ramadoss had said (to read click here):
"The movies are most responsible (for encouraging smoking). When I said movies should not have smoking scenes we have statistics which show that 52 per cent of children have their first puff of a cigarette because of movie celebrities,"
"..I have already made appeals to Shah Rukh Khan...I would like to make an appeal to him and Amitabh Bachchan and all other personalities," Ramadoss said in an interview to a private news channel. He was also critical of Khan for smoking at a cricket match.
In March 2008, Shatrughan Sinha, another legendary film-star and politician had said (to read click here)
"There is an urgent need to spread the awareness about the deadly effects of tobacco products in the nation, particularly in rural areas where most people still remain ignorant to the ill effects of tobacco"
On 11 May 2008 an op-ed article was published (to read click here) written by Dr Ramadoss.
EXCERPTS:
Tamil actor Rajnikant's two latest movies were smoke-free and both were the biggest hits in the history of the Indian film industry. I wish some of the celebrities could come forward to tell the people that a can of Pepsi/Coco-cola contains 5-7 spoonfuls of sugar and a packet of chips contains 500 calories, and also its adverse impact on the health of its users.
We do not overlook the impact Amitabh Bachchan has had on our Pulse Polio campaign as a brand ambassador, or the contribution of our celebrities in promoting several campaigns under the National Rural Health Mission. It would be a service to humanity if this impact were replicated in removing social evils.
Experts also say smoking scenes in movies are more effective than direct forms of tobacco advertisements. Surveys have shown that 52 per cent of youngsters start smoking after being influenced by movies.
It is, therefore, not difficult to imagine the kind of impact smoking in films has on our youth, particularly in the context of more brand visibility of cigarette companies in films.
Still, surrogate advertisements have increased with the latest platform being the Indian Premier League cricket matches, which have a massive viewership. The Indian Cinematography Act, 1952 prohibits glamorising smoking in movies but the law is violated and there is not a word of protest from anywhere. An efficient Censor Board would not be keeping quiet on the glamorising of alcohol and tobacco and the vulgar depiction of obscenity in movies.
To read this posting in Hindi language, click here
India's noted film-star and bollywood heartthrob, 'the King Khan' - Shahrukh Khan, again smoked cigarette after cigarette in full public view at the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches last week. To see the photographs, click here and to read the news, click here
Dr Shekhar Salkar from National Organization for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) who has been contributing significantly in strengthening tobacco control in India, was one of the few to raise concerns on the blatant disregard by Shahrukh of the repeated pleas from not only the health advocates, but also of the India's Health and Family Welfare minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, which is also in-sync with the provisions of The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (2003).
Shahrukh Khan and other film-stars have defended smoking-on-screen for 'creativity'.
Ajay Devgan, another leading film-star had said last week (to read click here):
"There should not be a ban on smoking especially in a democracy, where everyone has a right to his opinion. If someone has to make a film on Churchill, how can it be done since he used to smoke cigars regularly? If smoking is banned in films, would you put lollypop in Churchill's mouth instead?"
Dr Ramadoss gave a befitting reply on 11 May 2008 (to read click here)
"Creativity as an art should be used for improving lives instead of taking them"
RECAP
---------
In 2006, while receiving the Luther Terry Award - the world's noted award in tobacco control - Dr Ramadoss had said (to read click here):
In an earlier study done by World Health Organization and Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2003 it was revealed that 76% of Indian movies had tobacco use shown in them. In 1991, where 22% of top box office movie hits had lead characters using tobacco on-screen, in 2002, this escalated to 53% tobacco use depiction by lead characters in Indian movies. This study also demonstrated that 52.2% of children in India who had their first smoke were influenced by tobacco use depicted in movies.A repeat follow-up study conducted by WHO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India on top box office movie hits during 2004-2005 demonstrated that tobacco use depiction in movies has become more aggressive as compared to previous years. During 2004-2005, 89% of all movies analyzed contained tobacco use on screen and 75.5% movies depicted leading stars using tobacco on screen. Moreover 41% of movies screened had clear and distinct tobacco brand placement.
The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 came into effect since May 31, 2003. Explaining the amendments notified on May 31, 2005, Dr Ramadoss had said that movies showing tobacco use will be given 'A' certificate on the condition that the characters using tobacco on screen agree to do a
disclosure stating tobacco hazards clearly either before, middle or before the end of that movie.Health warnings in the same language as that of the movie would start scrolling up 1 minute before the use of tobacco is depicted in movies and will end not before another minute after the depiction of tobacco use stops in that movie.
"One of the easiest ways to significantly bring down number of children and youth who get initiated to tobacco use in India, without any budgetary allocation for this public health exercise, is to remove depiction of tobacco use in films and TV"
On 27 January 2008 Dr Ramadoss had said (to read click here):
"The movies are most responsible (for encouraging smoking). When I said movies should not have smoking scenes we have statistics which show that 52 per cent of children have their first puff of a cigarette because of movie celebrities,"
"..I have already made appeals to Shah Rukh Khan...I would like to make an appeal to him and Amitabh Bachchan and all other personalities," Ramadoss said in an interview to a private news channel. He was also critical of Khan for smoking at a cricket match.
In March 2008, Shatrughan Sinha, another legendary film-star and politician had said (to read click here)
"There is an urgent need to spread the awareness about the deadly effects of tobacco products in the nation, particularly in rural areas where most people still remain ignorant to the ill effects of tobacco"
On 11 May 2008 an op-ed article was published (to read click here) written by Dr Ramadoss.
EXCERPTS:
Tamil actor Rajnikant's two latest movies were smoke-free and both were the biggest hits in the history of the Indian film industry. I wish some of the celebrities could come forward to tell the people that a can of Pepsi/Coco-cola contains 5-7 spoonfuls of sugar and a packet of chips contains 500 calories, and also its adverse impact on the health of its users.
We do not overlook the impact Amitabh Bachchan has had on our Pulse Polio campaign as a brand ambassador, or the contribution of our celebrities in promoting several campaigns under the National Rural Health Mission. It would be a service to humanity if this impact were replicated in removing social evils.
Experts also say smoking scenes in movies are more effective than direct forms of tobacco advertisements. Surveys have shown that 52 per cent of youngsters start smoking after being influenced by movies.
It is, therefore, not difficult to imagine the kind of impact smoking in films has on our youth, particularly in the context of more brand visibility of cigarette companies in films.
Still, surrogate advertisements have increased with the latest platform being the Indian Premier League cricket matches, which have a massive viewership. The Indian Cinematography Act, 1952 prohibits glamorising smoking in movies but the law is violated and there is not a word of protest from anywhere. An efficient Censor Board would not be keeping quiet on the glamorising of alcohol and tobacco and the vulgar depiction of obscenity in movies.
TambakooKills News Bulletin (20 May 2008): Issue 382
TambakooKills News Bulletin
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Issue 382
Advertising giant pushes 'right to choice' argument
The Times of India, 19 May 2008
Santosh Desai, leading advertising giant, has authored this article
Excerpt:
Death is the leading cause of death. Not smoking, not drinking, not eating too many chips. Even dreaded diseases do not cause death; they are merely the vehicles in which the inevitable becomes imminent…
People smoke, drink and eat greasy food because they want to and not only because some star is asking them to do so. Celebrity anti-smoking campaigns do not really work, in spite of the same star power being behind them. Smoking exists not only because of advertising but because it conforms to the notion of what is cool that is prevalent in society…
It reduces the freedom of everyone else. Not showing people drink in films is a start; tomorrow we could well stop them from eating fried foods, ice-cream, drinking coffee and jaywalking. The belief that representation equals reality is a naive one. Not showing something will not make it disappear…
It is a choice that they must be free to make. If they want to be seduced by images of their heroes chomping chips, so be it. For it must be remembered that no matter what the good health minister does, we are all going to die. It might make sense to focus on living rather than be obsessed with not dying.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Ministry's bidi report poses threat to Bidi sector
Financial Express, 20 May 2008
Excerpt:
Bidi tobacco is cultivated in around 30% of the total area under tobacco crop and its production accounts 33% of the total tobacco production. About 2,90,000 farmers grow bidi tobacco in India and around 4.4 workers are employed in production of bidis. This employment-oriented sector has become controversial with a recent paper of the Union ministry of health and family welfare entitled -- Bidi Smoking and Public Health Hazards.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Farmers jubilant as tobacco prices soar
The Times of India, 19 May 2008
Excerpt
"The drastic fall in production in Zimbabwe from 250 million kgs to 60 million kgs, due to internal problems including racial unrest is one of the major factors that boosted the prices of Indian stock. In addition, nearly 70 million kg shortage of production has been reported from one of the major tobacco producing nation Brazil" said Y Sivaji, former Member of Parliament and present president of Virginia tobacco growers association,
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Bhutanese people smoke smuggled cigarettes from India, 'Wills Navy Cut' is a favourite
Thai Indian News, 20 May 2008
The Hindu, India: 20 May 2008
Excerpt
In 2004, the kingdom became the first country in the world to ban the sale of tobacco and prohibit public smoking. People may smoke in the privacy of their homes but are forced to rely on smuggled cigarettes. Though there is little evidence to suggest smokers here have kicked their habit in large numbers, the ban is believed to have sharply reduced the number of first-time smokers, especially among the young.
But despite the ban many still smoke in the privacy of their homes, relying on cigarettes smuggled from Phuntsholing, 175 km from the Bhutanese capital or from India. Wills Navy Cut is a hot favourite.
To read both the news, click on Thai Indian News and The Hindu
------------------------------------------------------------------
Workplace programmes can improve health - new study
Reuters, 20 May 2008
Excerpt
Workplace programmes targeting physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits are effective in mitigating the impact of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, according to a study published on Monday.
Unhealthy diets and excessive energy intake, physical inactivity and tobacco use are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases, it said.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Awards for tobacco control
The Indian Express, Chandigarh, India: 19 May 2008
Excerpt
Burning Brain Society (BBS), a local NGO, has announced its annual awards for people working on tobacco control. The awards will be given to individuals and organisations contributing their bit . The eight categories of awards include two awards in Best Enforcement Activity; five awards in Best Mass Media Effort; two awards in Best Civil Society Efforts; two awards in Tobacco Control Bravery; one award each in Best State Government Initiative; Best District/ City Initiative; Best Educational Institute Initiative and Best Business House Initiative.
To read the complete news, click here
*****************************************
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Issue 382
Advertising giant pushes 'right to choice' argument
The Times of India, 19 May 2008
Santosh Desai, leading advertising giant, has authored this article
Excerpt:
Death is the leading cause of death. Not smoking, not drinking, not eating too many chips. Even dreaded diseases do not cause death; they are merely the vehicles in which the inevitable becomes imminent…
People smoke, drink and eat greasy food because they want to and not only because some star is asking them to do so. Celebrity anti-smoking campaigns do not really work, in spite of the same star power being behind them. Smoking exists not only because of advertising but because it conforms to the notion of what is cool that is prevalent in society…
It reduces the freedom of everyone else. Not showing people drink in films is a start; tomorrow we could well stop them from eating fried foods, ice-cream, drinking coffee and jaywalking. The belief that representation equals reality is a naive one. Not showing something will not make it disappear…
It is a choice that they must be free to make. If they want to be seduced by images of their heroes chomping chips, so be it. For it must be remembered that no matter what the good health minister does, we are all going to die. It might make sense to focus on living rather than be obsessed with not dying.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Ministry's bidi report poses threat to Bidi sector
Financial Express, 20 May 2008
Excerpt:
Bidi tobacco is cultivated in around 30% of the total area under tobacco crop and its production accounts 33% of the total tobacco production. About 2,90,000 farmers grow bidi tobacco in India and around 4.4 workers are employed in production of bidis. This employment-oriented sector has become controversial with a recent paper of the Union ministry of health and family welfare entitled -- Bidi Smoking and Public Health Hazards.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Farmers jubilant as tobacco prices soar
The Times of India, 19 May 2008
Excerpt
"The drastic fall in production in Zimbabwe from 250 million kgs to 60 million kgs, due to internal problems including racial unrest is one of the major factors that boosted the prices of Indian stock. In addition, nearly 70 million kg shortage of production has been reported from one of the major tobacco producing nation Brazil" said Y Sivaji, former Member of Parliament and present president of Virginia tobacco growers association,
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Bhutanese people smoke smuggled cigarettes from India, 'Wills Navy Cut' is a favourite
Thai Indian News, 20 May 2008
The Hindu, India: 20 May 2008
Excerpt
In 2004, the kingdom became the first country in the world to ban the sale of tobacco and prohibit public smoking. People may smoke in the privacy of their homes but are forced to rely on smuggled cigarettes. Though there is little evidence to suggest smokers here have kicked their habit in large numbers, the ban is believed to have sharply reduced the number of first-time smokers, especially among the young.
But despite the ban many still smoke in the privacy of their homes, relying on cigarettes smuggled from Phuntsholing, 175 km from the Bhutanese capital or from India. Wills Navy Cut is a hot favourite.
To read both the news, click on Thai Indian News and The Hindu
------------------------------------------------------------------
Workplace programmes can improve health - new study
Reuters, 20 May 2008
Excerpt
Workplace programmes targeting physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits are effective in mitigating the impact of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, according to a study published on Monday.
Unhealthy diets and excessive energy intake, physical inactivity and tobacco use are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases, it said.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
Awards for tobacco control
The Indian Express, Chandigarh, India: 19 May 2008
Excerpt
Burning Brain Society (BBS), a local NGO, has announced its annual awards for people working on tobacco control. The awards will be given to individuals and organisations contributing their bit . The eight categories of awards include two awards in Best Enforcement Activity; five awards in Best Mass Media Effort; two awards in Best Civil Society Efforts; two awards in Tobacco Control Bravery; one award each in Best State Government Initiative; Best District/ City Initiative; Best Educational Institute Initiative and Best Business House Initiative.
To read the complete news, click here
*****************************************
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
TambakooKills News Bulletin (18 May 2008): Issue 381
TambakooKills News Bulletin
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Issue 381
Tobacco, alcohol lobbies want to oust me: Ramadoss
Sify News, Chennai: 18 May 2008
EXCERPT
Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday alleged that the tobacco and alcohol lobbies and those against the reservation policy were conspiring to oust him.
"The lobby is out to get at me," the Minister told mediapersons here.
"The alcohol, tobacco and anti-reservation lobby is trying to destabilise me and destabilise my party (the PMK, a UPA constituent from Tamil Nadu)," Ramadoss said.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
'Alcohol, smoking lobbies out to get me'
Times Now.TV, 18 May 2008
EXCERPT
"Very powerful alcohol lobby, the tobacco lobby and the anti reservation lobby have joined together and are trying to destabilise me" said Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.
The minister who was in a combative mood said, that according to certain studies two-third of death in India is caused by smoking, drinking and junk food and that it was his responsibility to set things right.
Ramadoss's reaction came after the reclusive actor; Ajay Devgan questioned the health minister's move to censor creative freedom.
"There should not be a ban on smoking especially in a democracy, where everyone has a right to his opinion. If someone has to make a film on Churchill, how can it be done since he used to smoke cigars regularly? If smoking is banned in films, would you put lollypop in Churchill's mouth instead?" he [Ajay Devgan] said.
To see the video of Ajay Devgan's reaction, click here
To see the video of Dr Ramadoss' response, click here
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
India Liquor, Tobacco Firms Shift Tack
Wall Street Journal, USA: 17 May 2008
EXCERPT:
Tobacco and liquor companies are among India's largest advertisers, but for years, they've had to resort to some sleight of hand to market their products.
Because Indian law bans tobacco and liquor ads, the companies have relied on what are known as "surrogate advertisements." Instead of touting smokes and booze in their print and TV ads, they market unrelated, cheap-to-make products that they also happen to manufacture. Popular surrogate products have included CDs, playing cards and bottled water -- all, of course, carrying the same brand as the companies' cigarettes and beer or spirits.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Godfrey Phillips test-marketing India's first clove cigarette
The Economic Times, India: 17 May 2008
EXCERPT
Tobacco is unhealthy. No rocket science that. But what if the cigarette is filled with healthy clove a la the imported Gudang Garams from Indonesia that vend across the country. Godfrey Phillips India (GPI), the Rs 1,593-crore tobacco major, seems to have taken a cue and is test-marketing India's first clove cigarette, Cluv Spice, across geographies.
"Globally, and specifically in Indonesia, there is a growing demand for cigarettes based on addition of processed natural clove. In India, across categories, clove is linked to oral hygiene and is perceived to have mouth freshening qualities," claims a company spokesperson.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Laws prohibiting child labour and protecting bidi workers should be implemented
Central Chronicle, 17 May 2008
EXCERPT
Policy interventions needed urgently are as follows:
- Increase in taxes on bidis as it benefits the poor, prompting them to quit, thus saving lives and money, besides bringing revenue to the Government for welfare and public health measures.
- The distinction in taxes on hand-made and machine made bidis needs to be eradicated as such a policy only promotes tax evasion.
To read the complete news, click here
*****************************************
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Issue 381
Tobacco, alcohol lobbies want to oust me: Ramadoss
Sify News, Chennai: 18 May 2008
EXCERPT
Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday alleged that the tobacco and alcohol lobbies and those against the reservation policy were conspiring to oust him.
"The lobby is out to get at me," the Minister told mediapersons here.
"The alcohol, tobacco and anti-reservation lobby is trying to destabilise me and destabilise my party (the PMK, a UPA constituent from Tamil Nadu)," Ramadoss said.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
'Alcohol, smoking lobbies out to get me'
Times Now.TV, 18 May 2008
EXCERPT
"Very powerful alcohol lobby, the tobacco lobby and the anti reservation lobby have joined together and are trying to destabilise me" said Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.
The minister who was in a combative mood said, that according to certain studies two-third of death in India is caused by smoking, drinking and junk food and that it was his responsibility to set things right.
Ramadoss's reaction came after the reclusive actor; Ajay Devgan questioned the health minister's move to censor creative freedom.
"There should not be a ban on smoking especially in a democracy, where everyone has a right to his opinion. If someone has to make a film on Churchill, how can it be done since he used to smoke cigars regularly? If smoking is banned in films, would you put lollypop in Churchill's mouth instead?" he [Ajay Devgan] said.
To see the video of Ajay Devgan's reaction, click here
To see the video of Dr Ramadoss' response, click here
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
India Liquor, Tobacco Firms Shift Tack
Wall Street Journal, USA: 17 May 2008
EXCERPT:
Tobacco and liquor companies are among India's largest advertisers, but for years, they've had to resort to some sleight of hand to market their products.
Because Indian law bans tobacco and liquor ads, the companies have relied on what are known as "surrogate advertisements." Instead of touting smokes and booze in their print and TV ads, they market unrelated, cheap-to-make products that they also happen to manufacture. Popular surrogate products have included CDs, playing cards and bottled water -- all, of course, carrying the same brand as the companies' cigarettes and beer or spirits.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Godfrey Phillips test-marketing India's first clove cigarette
The Economic Times, India: 17 May 2008
EXCERPT
Tobacco is unhealthy. No rocket science that. But what if the cigarette is filled with healthy clove a la the imported Gudang Garams from Indonesia that vend across the country. Godfrey Phillips India (GPI), the Rs 1,593-crore tobacco major, seems to have taken a cue and is test-marketing India's first clove cigarette, Cluv Spice, across geographies.
"Globally, and specifically in Indonesia, there is a growing demand for cigarettes based on addition of processed natural clove. In India, across categories, clove is linked to oral hygiene and is perceived to have mouth freshening qualities," claims a company spokesperson.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Laws prohibiting child labour and protecting bidi workers should be implemented
Central Chronicle, 17 May 2008
EXCERPT
Policy interventions needed urgently are as follows:
- Increase in taxes on bidis as it benefits the poor, prompting them to quit, thus saving lives and money, besides bringing revenue to the Government for welfare and public health measures.
- The distinction in taxes on hand-made and machine made bidis needs to be eradicated as such a policy only promotes tax evasion.
To read the complete news, click here
*****************************************
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
TambakooKills News Bulletin: 15 May 2008 (Issue 379)
TambakooKills News Bulletin
15 May 2008
[Issue 379]
------------
Air pollution, tobacco smoke triggers tuberculosis: new study
EXCERPT:
A toxic gas (carbon monoxide) present in air pollution and tobacco smoke plays a significant role in triggering tuberculosis infection, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
The study showed that CO triggers Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, to shift from active infection to a drug-resistant dormant state. This is called latency, a global problem that results in tuberculosis escaping detection and treatment, and which contributes to overall tuberculosis transmission.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
200,000 TB deaths are due to beedi smoking
Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), 14 May 2008
EXCERPT:
An estimated 100 million people - mostly the poor and illiterate - smoke Beedi in India and 200,000 tuberculosis deaths are due to these hand-rolled cigarettes, a health ministry report released here Monday said.
--------------------------
Slum-dwellers commit to give up tobacco use
Dainik Amar Ujala, 15 May 2008
EXCERPT:
Nadwa slum-dwellers behind Lucknow University participated in an awareness programme organized jointly by Asha Samajik Vidyalaya with support from Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC) of CSM Medical University. Professor (Dr) Rama Kant explained the life-threatening health hazards of tobacco use, diagnosed tobacco-related health hazards in the communities on-spot and using posters encouraged people to quit tobacco use and choose health and life. 23 people who were using tobacco registered for the TCC.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Tobacco control policies should be enforced: Prof Rama Kant
Dainik Aaj and Voice of Lucknow, 15 May 2008
EXCERPT:
The Cigarette and other tobacco products Act (2003) and the provisions of the global tobacco treaty to which India is a party (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) should be implemented. Noted tobacco control advocate Professor (Dr) Rama Kant was addressing an interactive sessions with slum-dwellers behind Lucknow University. He said unless people take responsibility of being an equal partner in enforcing public health and social justice policies, the corporations will continue reaping profits. He also encouraged those in the audience who use tobacco, to quit. More than 20 people resolved not to use tobacco and sought help from the tobacco cessation clinic of CSM Medical University.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
15 May 2008
[Issue 379]
------------
Air pollution, tobacco smoke triggers tuberculosis: new study
EXCERPT:
A toxic gas (carbon monoxide) present in air pollution and tobacco smoke plays a significant role in triggering tuberculosis infection, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
The study showed that CO triggers Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis, to shift from active infection to a drug-resistant dormant state. This is called latency, a global problem that results in tuberculosis escaping detection and treatment, and which contributes to overall tuberculosis transmission.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
200,000 TB deaths are due to beedi smoking
Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), 14 May 2008
EXCERPT:
An estimated 100 million people - mostly the poor and illiterate - smoke Beedi in India and 200,000 tuberculosis deaths are due to these hand-rolled cigarettes, a health ministry report released here Monday said.
The report, for the year 2004-05 and termed as the first analytical, scientific and systematic study on the trend, said Beedi smoking was more harmful than cigarette smoking.
"In India, Beedi smoking contributes substantially to death from tuberculosis," said Health Secretary Naresh Dayal.
To read the complete news, click here--------------------------
Slum-dwellers commit to give up tobacco use
Dainik Amar Ujala, 15 May 2008
EXCERPT:
Nadwa slum-dwellers behind Lucknow University participated in an awareness programme organized jointly by Asha Samajik Vidyalaya with support from Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC) of CSM Medical University. Professor (Dr) Rama Kant explained the life-threatening health hazards of tobacco use, diagnosed tobacco-related health hazards in the communities on-spot and using posters encouraged people to quit tobacco use and choose health and life. 23 people who were using tobacco registered for the TCC.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
Tobacco control policies should be enforced: Prof Rama Kant
Dainik Aaj and Voice of Lucknow, 15 May 2008
EXCERPT:
The Cigarette and other tobacco products Act (2003) and the provisions of the global tobacco treaty to which India is a party (Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) should be implemented. Noted tobacco control advocate Professor (Dr) Rama Kant was addressing an interactive sessions with slum-dwellers behind Lucknow University. He said unless people take responsibility of being an equal partner in enforcing public health and social justice policies, the corporations will continue reaping profits. He also encouraged those in the audience who use tobacco, to quit. More than 20 people resolved not to use tobacco and sought help from the tobacco cessation clinic of CSM Medical University.
To read the complete news, click here
---------------------------------------
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
TambakooKills News Bulletin: 16 May 2008 (Issue 380)
TambakooKills News Bulletin
Friday, 16 May 2008
Issue 380
Bidi workers are among the most exploited workers in India
Central Chronicle, Madhya Pradesh, India: 16 May 2008
EXCERPT:
Bidi industry does not even show mercy towards those who are involved in the making of a bidi. Bidi workers are among the most exploited workers in India .
Women constitute 76-95% of total employment in bidi manufacturing who ultimately suffer from serious health diseases and sexual exploitation at work. Nearly 225,000 children are engaged in bidi making, despite bidi manufacturing being listed as a hazardous employment for the children.
The Monograph highlights the key issue of bidi taxation in detail. In spite of the taxes on bidis being so less, the bidi manufacturers still evade taxes.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
One million out of 2 million active TB cases in India are due to smoking
India Business Times, 16 May 2008
EXCERPT:
One million of the estimated two million cases of tuberculosis in India are due to smoking. The monograph "Bidi Smoking and Public health" emphasized the urgent need to protect the poor and illiterate users of bidis (vulnerable section of society) by informing them through appropriate pictorial health warnings. It was released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on the May 12, 2008.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
'Beedi more lethal than cigarettes': Is revolver more lethal than pistol?
The Statesman, India: 16 May 2008
EXCERPT:
While it is true that bidis are more deadly than cigarettes (one basic reason being that the bidis burn at a higher temperature and release more of the volatile carcinogens and other toxic agents), the comparison is purely academic. It is like saying that revolvers are more lethal than pistols.
To read the complete news, click here
*******************************************
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
Friday, 16 May 2008
Issue 380
Bidi workers are among the most exploited workers in India
Central Chronicle, Madhya Pradesh, India: 16 May 2008
EXCERPT:
Bidi industry does not even show mercy towards those who are involved in the making of a bidi. Bidi workers are among the most exploited workers in India .
Women constitute 76-95% of total employment in bidi manufacturing who ultimately suffer from serious health diseases and sexual exploitation at work. Nearly 225,000 children are engaged in bidi making, despite bidi manufacturing being listed as a hazardous employment for the children.
The Monograph highlights the key issue of bidi taxation in detail. In spite of the taxes on bidis being so less, the bidi manufacturers still evade taxes.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
One million out of 2 million active TB cases in India are due to smoking
India Business Times, 16 May 2008
EXCERPT:
One million of the estimated two million cases of tuberculosis in India are due to smoking. The monograph "Bidi Smoking and Public health" emphasized the urgent need to protect the poor and illiterate users of bidis (vulnerable section of society) by informing them through appropriate pictorial health warnings. It was released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on the May 12, 2008.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------------------
'Beedi more lethal than cigarettes': Is revolver more lethal than pistol?
The Statesman, India: 16 May 2008
EXCERPT:
While it is true that bidis are more deadly than cigarettes (one basic reason being that the bidis burn at a higher temperature and release more of the volatile carcinogens and other toxic agents), the comparison is purely academic. It is like saying that revolvers are more lethal than pistols.
To read the complete news, click here
*******************************************
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
First study reveals bidi's role as India's silent killer
First study reveals bidi's role as India
The Indian Express; Tuesday, 13 May 2008
The Indian Express; Tuesday, 13 May 2008
- 85 per cent of the world's tobacco for bidi is grown in
TambakooKills News Bulletin: 14 May 2008: Issue 378
TambakooKills News Bulletin
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Issue: 378
--------
100 million smoke beedi in India, says report
Sify News, 14 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
An estimated 100 million people - mostly the poor and illiterate - smoke beedi in India and 200,000 tuberculosis deaths are due to these hand-rolled cigarettes, a health ministry report released on Monday said.
There are more beedi smokers than users of any other kind of tobacco products. Beedi is the most widely used form of tobacco. There are 240 million tobacco users of which 100 million smoke beedi.
The report was prepared with the support of the World Health Organisation, Centre for Disease control and Prevention in Atlanta and the US Department of Health and Human Sciences.
To read complete news, click here
--------------------------
Beedi contains less tobacco than cigarettes but delivers far more nicotine and toxic substances
Reuters, 14 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
Bidis contains much less tobacco than cigarettes, but it delivers far more nicotine and toxic substances, a study done by the Union Health and Welfare ministry said. Bidis are small hand-rolled leaf wrapped tobacco products and bidi smoking is common in South-Asia.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------
200,000 TB deaths are due to beedi smoking
Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), 14 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
An estimated 100 million people - mostly the poor and illiterate - smoke Beedi in India and 200,000 tuberculosis deaths are due to these hand-rolled cigarettes, a health ministry report released here Monday said.
--------------------------
Beedi killing 6 lakhs (600,000) every year in India
The Times of India, 13 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
Bidi --- the poor man's smoke --- is killing 600,000 people annually in India. With nearly 85% of the world's bidi tobacco grown in India and with 70% of tobacco smoked in the country being in the form of bidis, more Indians have now been found to be dying of bidi smoking than from all other forms of tobacco combined.
According to the country's first bidi monograph, for every cigarette, eight bidis are sold in India. And what's worse, nearly 2.3% children, aged 13-15 years, have taken to it.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------
Indian tobacco market will grow 12% by 2011 - industry report
News Wire, 13 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
Consumer expenditure on food, beverages and tobacco (FBT) in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% during 2007-2011, forecasts "Indian Food Beverages and Tobacco Market Forecast till 2011", a research report by RNCOS - an industry research firm.
The report identifies that food expenditure in India will grow at the rate second fastest after China during the forecasted period. The fast growth in the consumer spending is led by advertisement spending, campaigns to market products and brands, free sample distributions, launch of innovative and new brands, and strengthening of the product distribution networks. All these factors have brought a wave of change in the consumption habits of people in the last six years.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Issue: 378
--------
100 million smoke beedi in India, says report
Sify News, 14 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
An estimated 100 million people - mostly the poor and illiterate - smoke beedi in India and 200,000 tuberculosis deaths are due to these hand-rolled cigarettes, a health ministry report released on Monday said.
There are more beedi smokers than users of any other kind of tobacco products. Beedi is the most widely used form of tobacco. There are 240 million tobacco users of which 100 million smoke beedi.
The report was prepared with the support of the World Health Organisation, Centre for Disease control and Prevention in Atlanta and the US Department of Health and Human Sciences.
To read complete news, click here
--------------------------
Beedi contains less tobacco than cigarettes but delivers far more nicotine and toxic substances
Reuters, 14 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
Bidis contains much less tobacco than cigarettes, but it delivers far more nicotine and toxic substances, a study done by the Union Health and Welfare ministry said. Bidis are small hand-rolled leaf wrapped tobacco products and bidi smoking is common in South-Asia.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------
200,000 TB deaths are due to beedi smoking
Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), 14 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
An estimated 100 million people - mostly the poor and illiterate - smoke Beedi in India and 200,000 tuberculosis deaths are due to these hand-rolled cigarettes, a health ministry report released here Monday said.
The report, for the year 2004-05 and termed as the first analytical, scientific and systematic study on the trend, said Beedi smoking was more harmful than cigarette smoking.
"In India, Beedi smoking contributes substantially to death from tuberculosis," said Health Secretary Naresh Dayal.
To read the complete news, click here--------------------------
Beedi killing 6 lakhs (600,000) every year in India
The Times of India, 13 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
Bidi --- the poor man's smoke --- is killing 600,000 people annually in India. With nearly 85% of the world's bidi tobacco grown in India and with 70% of tobacco smoked in the country being in the form of bidis, more Indians have now been found to be dying of bidi smoking than from all other forms of tobacco combined.
According to the country's first bidi monograph, for every cigarette, eight bidis are sold in India. And what's worse, nearly 2.3% children, aged 13-15 years, have taken to it.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------
Indian tobacco market will grow 12% by 2011 - industry report
News Wire, 13 May 2008
EXCERPTS:
Consumer expenditure on food, beverages and tobacco (FBT) in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12% during 2007-2011, forecasts "Indian Food Beverages and Tobacco Market Forecast till 2011", a research report by RNCOS - an industry research firm.
The report identifies that food expenditure in India will grow at the rate second fastest after China during the forecasted period. The fast growth in the consumer spending is led by advertisement spending, campaigns to market products and brands, free sample distributions, launch of innovative and new brands, and strengthening of the product distribution networks. All these factors have brought a wave of change in the consumption habits of people in the last six years.
To read the complete news, click here
--------------------------
To download or read Hindi and English language news bulletin/ articles on tobacco control, click here or go to:
http://TambakooKills.blogspot.com
To receive email updates on tobacco control in Hindi and English languages, send an email to:
TambakooKills-subscribe@yahoogroups.co.uk
----------------------------
Jointly brought to you by the Tambakoo-Kills youth team supported by:
Indian Society Against Smoking (ISAS), Abhinav Bharat Foundation (ABF), Asha Parivar, Citizen News Service (CNS) and Tobacco Cessation Clinic of CSM Medical University
Email: Tambakoo.Kills@gmail.com
-----------------------------
World No Tobacco Day: 31 May 2008: Tobacco-free Youth is the theme
World No Tobacco Day 2008
Theme
TOBACCO-FREE YOUTH
[To read this posting in Hindi language, please click here]
Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. It is the only consumer product that kills when used as intended by its manufacturers. Tobacco kills up to 50% of its regular users.
Approximately one billion young people live in the world today with 85% living in developing countries. Having survived the vulnerable childhood period, they are generally healthy. Nevertheless, tobacco use is contributing to the deadly mix that is changing the classic picture of healthy youth in the world.
Adolescent experimentation with this highly addictive product, aggressively pushed by the tobacco industry, can easily lead to a lifetime of tobacco dependence.
One of the most effective ways to protect young people from the harms of tobacco use is to ban advertising or promotion of tobacco products, and the sponsorship by the tobacco industry of any events or activities.
The focus
This year's campaign will focus on the following main message:
Tobacco marketing hooks young people to a product, tobacco, that kills up to half of its users. Complete bans on all forms of direct and indirect advertising, including sponsorship, are highly effective in protecting youth from initiating tobacco use.
Exposure to pro-tobacco advertisements, promotion and sponsorship as well as accessibility, availability, favorable prices and social acceptance of tobacco products play a crucial role in experimentation and transition to regular consumer. Tobacco promotional activities are causally related to the onset of tobacco use in adolescents and exposure to tobacco products advertising is predictive of consumption among youth.
The tobacco industry spends tens of billions of dollars worldwide annually in marketing their deadly products. Their marketing activities are intended to bring new, young, and hopefully life-long tobacco users into the market in order to replace those who die.
Forms of direct tobacco promotion include: radio; television; magazines; banners, posters and hoardings; direct mail; coupons; sweepstake offers; brand loyalty programs; sponsorship of specialized entertainment events in popular youth locations such as bars and clubs; and controlled circulation magazines distributed to those on the tobacco industry's large mailing list.
A call for action
Only 5% of the world's population currently lives in countries with comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. About half the children of the world live in countries that do not ban free distribution of tobacco products. One of the most effective ways countries can protect the health of their people is to ban all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Only total and comprehensive bans can reduce tobacco consumption. National-level studies before and after advertising bans found a decline in tobacco consumption of up to 16%. Partial bans have little or no impact on demand since advertising can be switched to alternative media.
Call for 100% BANS ON ADVERTISING, SPONSORSHIP AND PROMOTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS !
Call to policy-makers: to require by law comprehensive bans on all direct and indirect forms of advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products. Policy-makers should be aware that voluntary policies do not work and are not an acceptable response to protecting the public, especially youth, from industry marketing tactics. Policy-makers should also be aware that the epidemic strikes hardest in developing countries, where more than two-third of the world's tobacco users live. To the tobacco companies, these economies represent vast new marketplaces in which they can promote their deadly products and seek "replacement smokers" among youth.
Call to the public: the campaign also aims at raising awareness of and encouraging people (youth, parents and organizations advocating for youth) to require policy-makers to ban advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products.
Background on marketing strategies
The spotlight of World No Tobacco Day 2008 will be on the publicity component of the following marketing strategies which encompasses advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Marketing mix strategies include:
publicity options e.g. media placements and themes; advertisements in videogames and on toys and other games; brand stretching; promotions using brand images or artists consuming tobacco on stage; portrayal of tobacco use and brand images in soap-operas or films; and sponsorship of sporting and other events to communicate the product "function" and characteristics to young people
placement opportunities e.g. free access shelves; Internet sales; vending machines; and innovative shop displays developed specifically to appeal to new young smokers and make tobacco products accessible
packaging and product features e.g. use of misleading and deceptive terms such as "light", "low-tar", and "mild"; promoting different tastes and flavors such as candy-flavored cigarettes; and pack size, color, design and brand name designed to make the product more appealing to youth
price alternatives purchase incentives such as multi-pack discounts; sales of cigarettes in small 'kiddy packs' to make the product affordable to young people.
With millions of their customers either dying from tobacco-related illnesses or quitting each year, the tobacco industry needs to recruit thousands of new smokers each day. These new customers are drawn overwhelmingly from the ranks of teenagers that the industry targets through their marketing strategies.
The rise in tobacco use among young females in high-population countries is one of the most ominous potential developments of the epidemic's growth. In many countries, women have traditionally not used tobacco: women smoke at about one fourth the rate of men. Because most women currently do not use tobacco, the tobacco industry aggressively market to tap this potential new market.
For more information, please click here or go to:
http://www.who.int/entity/tobacco/wntd/2008/en/index.html
[To read this posting in Hindi language, please click here]
Theme
TOBACCO-FREE YOUTH
[To read this posting in Hindi language, please click here]
Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. It is the only consumer product that kills when used as intended by its manufacturers. Tobacco kills up to 50% of its regular users.
Approximately one billion young people live in the world today with 85% living in developing countries. Having survived the vulnerable childhood period, they are generally healthy. Nevertheless, tobacco use is contributing to the deadly mix that is changing the classic picture of healthy youth in the world.
Adolescent experimentation with this highly addictive product, aggressively pushed by the tobacco industry, can easily lead to a lifetime of tobacco dependence.
One of the most effective ways to protect young people from the harms of tobacco use is to ban advertising or promotion of tobacco products, and the sponsorship by the tobacco industry of any events or activities.
The focus
This year's campaign will focus on the following main message:
Tobacco marketing hooks young people to a product, tobacco, that kills up to half of its users. Complete bans on all forms of direct and indirect advertising, including sponsorship, are highly effective in protecting youth from initiating tobacco use.
Exposure to pro-tobacco advertisements, promotion and sponsorship as well as accessibility, availability, favorable prices and social acceptance of tobacco products play a crucial role in experimentation and transition to regular consumer. Tobacco promotional activities are causally related to the onset of tobacco use in adolescents and exposure to tobacco products advertising is predictive of consumption among youth.
The tobacco industry spends tens of billions of dollars worldwide annually in marketing their deadly products. Their marketing activities are intended to bring new, young, and hopefully life-long tobacco users into the market in order to replace those who die.
Forms of direct tobacco promotion include: radio; television; magazines; banners, posters and hoardings; direct mail; coupons; sweepstake offers; brand loyalty programs; sponsorship of specialized entertainment events in popular youth locations such as bars and clubs; and controlled circulation magazines distributed to those on the tobacco industry's large mailing list.
A call for action
Only 5% of the world's population currently lives in countries with comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. About half the children of the world live in countries that do not ban free distribution of tobacco products. One of the most effective ways countries can protect the health of their people is to ban all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Only total and comprehensive bans can reduce tobacco consumption. National-level studies before and after advertising bans found a decline in tobacco consumption of up to 16%. Partial bans have little or no impact on demand since advertising can be switched to alternative media.
Call for 100% BANS ON ADVERTISING, SPONSORSHIP AND PROMOTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS !
Call to policy-makers: to require by law comprehensive bans on all direct and indirect forms of advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products. Policy-makers should be aware that voluntary policies do not work and are not an acceptable response to protecting the public, especially youth, from industry marketing tactics. Policy-makers should also be aware that the epidemic strikes hardest in developing countries, where more than two-third of the world's tobacco users live. To the tobacco companies, these economies represent vast new marketplaces in which they can promote their deadly products and seek "replacement smokers" among youth.
Call to the public: the campaign also aims at raising awareness of and encouraging people (youth, parents and organizations advocating for youth) to require policy-makers to ban advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products.
Background on marketing strategies
The spotlight of World No Tobacco Day 2008 will be on the publicity component of the following marketing strategies which encompasses advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Marketing mix strategies include:
publicity options e.g. media placements and themes; advertisements in videogames and on toys and other games; brand stretching; promotions using brand images or artists consuming tobacco on stage; portrayal of tobacco use and brand images in soap-operas or films; and sponsorship of sporting and other events to communicate the product "function" and characteristics to young people
placement opportunities e.g. free access shelves; Internet sales; vending machines; and innovative shop displays developed specifically to appeal to new young smokers and make tobacco products accessible
packaging and product features e.g. use of misleading and deceptive terms such as "light", "low-tar", and "mild"; promoting different tastes and flavors such as candy-flavored cigarettes; and pack size, color, design and brand name designed to make the product more appealing to youth
price alternatives purchase incentives such as multi-pack discounts; sales of cigarettes in small 'kiddy packs' to make the product affordable to young people.
With millions of their customers either dying from tobacco-related illnesses or quitting each year, the tobacco industry needs to recruit thousands of new smokers each day. These new customers are drawn overwhelmingly from the ranks of teenagers that the industry targets through their marketing strategies.
The rise in tobacco use among young females in high-population countries is one of the most ominous potential developments of the epidemic's growth. In many countries, women have traditionally not used tobacco: women smoke at about one fourth the rate of men. Because most women currently do not use tobacco, the tobacco industry aggressively market to tap this potential new market.
For more information, please click here or go to:
http://www.who.int/entity/tobacco/wntd/2008/en/index.html
[To read this posting in Hindi language, please click here]
If the Health Minister can’t do this, who can? - Dr Anbumani Ramadoss
If the Health Minister can’t do this, who can?
Anbumani Ramadoss
| [To read this in Hindi language , click here ] “I am responsible for the health of the nation” |
Tobacco and alcohol together make a perfect recipe for early death
Creativity as an art should be used for improving lives instead of taking them
Healthy criticism and freedom of speech, I always thought, were the strengths of a mature society. As an individual, I have always welcomed criticism – in fact accepted it graciously for it is a participatory process and helps improve performance. But criticism loses credibility when targeted against an individual only because he dares to speak courageously and with conviction against social evils. I have been a victim of this uncalled-for criticism.
Global appreciationMy campaigns against tobacco, alcohol, and junk food have drawn flak within the country, although globally the efforts of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry have been appreciated. I have said time and again that 40 per cent of the health problems in India are due to the use of tobacco in its various forms. Tobacco and alcohol together make a perfect recipe for early death. As the Health Minister of a nation of a billion people, I am responsible for their health and well-being. After the ban on advertisements promoting the use of tobacco products and alcohol, there was a huge debate on banning smoking on screen. I sometimes wonder whether asking personalities not to glamorise smoking and drinking was such an unreasonable demand that the entire film industry should be up in arms against me.
Over a million deaths in India occur due to tobacco use and, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) study, 15 per cent of school children in India use tobacco. Experts also say smoking scenes in movies are more effective than direct forms of tobacco advertisements. Surveys have shown that 52 per cent of youngsters start smoking after being influenced by movies.
It is, therefore, not difficult to imagine the kind of impact smoking in films has on our youth, particularly in the context of more brand visibility of cigarette companies in films. India produces the largest number of movies in the world (900 in 2001). In the 1950s, 30 per cent of films had smoking scenes with the percentage touching 89 in 2004. It is equally important to consider the characters depicted as smokers in the movies. In the 1950s, only villains or the ‘bad guys’ smoked on screen. Now, 76 per cent of the smoking scenes are by heroes and lead characters. Is it unreasonable if at least this influence on our youth could be reduced?
Godfrey Philips Red and White Bravery Awards are given to 10 people for saving 10 lives but, ironically, the tobacco company causes the death of three million people worldwide annually!
No different is the case of alcohol use. In the past 15 years, alcohol production has increased from 900 million litres to 2.3 billion litres, making India the largest consumer of alcohol in the Southeast Asian region. India alone consumes 65 per cent of the region’s total production. The average drinking age has come down from 28 years to 19 years. Experts predict that it will further come down further to 15 years in the next 5-7 years.
India’s strength is its 600 million people below the age of 30. They are our assets for nation building. They are also at risk of getting addicted to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and junk food that is extremely unhealthy. I categorically state that all four are potential killers. Two-thirds of India’s deaths are linked to tobacco, alcohol, and junk food. Do these figures not give my critics enough food for thought?
To prevent these youngsters from becoming a liability to their families and the nation, they need to be made aware and educated. Alcohol not only destroys individuals but also families. One-third of road accidents are alcohol-related. Let us not behave like ostriches. It is time we addressed these issues boldly.
Creativity as an art should be used for improving lives instead of taking them. Today drinking is characterised as macho, youthfulness, and acceptability in elite social circles. Yes, India is growing economically – its social indices are showing an improvement. Let a small campaign and a little awareness give it a fillip. Tamil actor Rajnikant’s two latest movies were smoke-free and both were the biggest hits in the history of the Indian film industry. I wish some of the celebrities could come forward to tell the people that a can of Pepsi/Coco-cola contains 5-7 spoonfuls of sugar and a packet of chips contains 500 calories, and also its adverse impact on the health of its users.
We do not overlook the impact Amitabh Bachchan has had on our Pulse Polio campaign as a brand ambassador, or the contribution of our celebrities in promoting several campaigns under the National Rural Health Mission. It would be a service to humanity if this impact were replicated in removing social evils.
WHO has also warned that India is moving from a pattern of communicable disease to non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardio-vascular ailments, and mental health disorders. All these are linked heavily to alcohol, tobacco, and junk food. The recent Lancet study linking India with early heart attacks is alarming (Treatment and outcomes of acute coronary syndromes in India: a prospective analysis of registry data by Denis Xavier, etc. al., The Lancet, Vol. 371, April 26, 2008, pages 1435-1442).
Still, surrogate advertisements have increased with the latest platform being the Indian Premier League cricket matches, which have a massive viewership. The Indian Cinematography Act, 1952 prohibits glamorising smoking in movies but the law is violated and there is not a word of protest from anywhere. An efficient Censor Board would not be keeping quiet on the glamorising of alcohol and tobacco and the vulgar depiction of obscenity in movies.
The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has already taken several measures to curb this menace because the situation warranted this. The Centre has allocated Rs. 450 crore for the National Tobacco Control Programme under the 11th Five Year Plan. It has initiated a smoke-free workplace policy and set up a Tobacco Regulatory Authority. Besides, it is in the process of making a pictorial warning mandatory on tobacco products. The District School Tobacco Programme also focuses on creating awareness against the adverse impact of the use of tobacco and alcohol. We have initiated a National Programme on Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardio-Vascular Diseases and Strokes. These are mostly lifestyle diseases related to smoking, drinking, and unhealthy food habits.
Some people have the tendency of cribbing that the Health Ministry has not done much in the basic rural health scenario. The United Progressive Alliance government under the stewardship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi conceived the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), the biggest programme in the history of the health sector in India. Its goal is to reduce IMR, MMR, TFR, and the disease burden, increase nutrition, sanitation, the provision of clean drinking water etc. where 75-80 per cent of the budget of the Union Health Ministry is spent.
WHO, U.N. bodies like UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS, and UNOPS, and Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute, Columbia University have acknowledged the improvement in the public health care delivery system in rural areas because of the implementation of NRHM; and, in fact, have suggested to other developing countries to replicate NRHM. This year, out of the total budget of Rs. 16,500 crore for the Health Ministry, nearly Rs. 12,200 crore have been allocated to NRHM. About 5.44 lakh accredited social health activists (ASHAs) have been appointed and the number of auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) increased from 1.40 lakh to 1.75 lakh. The number of nurses has been increased from 22,000 to 32,000 in primary health centres (PHCs) and doctors from 20,000 to 30,000. The number of specialists rose from 3500 to 6500 in the last two years. There is evidence of a substantial increase in institutional deliveries – 55 lakh women were covered under Janani Suraksha Yojana for institutional deliveries. There has also been an Improvement in immunisation coverage throughout the country. More than 9000 PHCs made 24x7 functional.
Among the other achievements of the Health Ministry, I can cite many but would like to point out the important ones: the establishment of a Central Drug Authority on the lines of USFDA for eradicating spurious and adulterated drugs and increasing the quality of all pharma products; the establishment of the Central Food Authority for bringing in global quality standard for food in India; the National Programme on Speech and Hearing; the National Emergency and Trauma Programme; and the new Department of Health Research. The 10th Plan allocation was Rs. 42,000 crore. A huge increase in the 11th Plan allocation to Rs. 1,36,000 crore would show the determination of UPA Government to improve the health sector.
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), the National TB Control Programme, the HIV/AIDS Control Programme, the National School Health Programme, the National Programme on Human Organ Transplantation (which focuses on cadavaric transplant), Health Insurance for the Poor, the Clinical Establishment Act to streamline all hospitals and laboratories to Indian Public Health Standards, the recognition of foreign PG degrees of English-speaking countries, the Golden Triangle Project, and the allocation of Rs. 120 crore to carry out research in Ayurveda, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy, etc. testify to the focussed performance of the Health Ministry. What could not be achieved during the last 40 years in the health sector has been achieved in a four-year period by the UPA government.
Doing my dutyI am just doing my duty as a Health Minister to protect the lives of millions of innocent young men and women who will be affected by these killers. I refuse to be cowed down by industry-sponsored campaigns and articles. The media too have an important role to play in creating awareness. I urge them to highlight the various achievements of the Health Ministry, which will help the Government to reach the people in a focussed manner.
If the Health Minister should not address these issues, then who should?
(Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss is the Union Cabinet Minister for Health and Family Welfare।)
Published in The Hindu, Sunday, 11 May 2008
[To read this in Hindi language , click here ]
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