Report Shows Progress in Tobacco Control Measures in the Americas

A new report by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) states that 96% of the population in 35 countries in the Americas (approximately 900 million people) are currently protected by at least one of the six tobacco control measures recommended by the World Health Organization. This represents a 50% increase from 2007.

Although at least one measure has been implemented in 26 countries in the region, such as increasing tobacco taxes, progress has been slow and nine countries have not taken any action.

A report reveals that in 2021, among 35 countries in the Americas:

According to the Pan American Health Organization, 24 countries are implementing measures to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke; 22 countries require large graphic warnings on tobacco packaging; 10 countries have monitoring systems that include tobacco use data; 6 countries provide comprehensive systems to help people quit smoking; 9 countries have banned tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; 3 countries impose indirect taxes of at least 75% on cigarettes; and 7 countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes. Progress made in applying the World Health Organization's MPOWER principles has helped reduce tobacco use in the region from 28% of the population in 2000 to 16.3% in 2020, making it the second lowest in the world. In 2020, South America became the first smoke-free zone in the Americas, with smoking absolutely prohibited in enclosed public places, workplaces, and public transportation.

A report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warns that new and emerging nicotine and tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, are becoming increasingly accessible to people. PAHO is urging governments to regulate these products to prevent non-smokers from starting and to prevent the normalization of tobacco use in society.

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