Tobacco use is a global epidemic that has been caused by the deliberate actions of the tobacco industry. It is a major public health concern, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies. To address this crisis, several evidence-based strategies have been developed to prevent and reduce tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke. These include anti-smoking policies, price increases, health education campaigns, counseling, medications, and taxes. Taxes are a particularly powerful strategy for reducing global demand for tobacco, according to Dr.
Rees of the Center for Global Tobacco Control of the Chan School of Public Health. However, this can be controversial, especially in developing countries that rely heavily on the money that tobacco taxes bring to their economies. The Chan School of Public Health also offers Global Tobacco Control, an online program that explores the most advanced science surrounding tobacco control and the impact of evidence-based policy strategies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also plays an important role in tackling the tobacco crisis. In addition to monitoring tobacco use among young people, CDC helps parents, educators, health care providers, and other influential people among young people understand the dangers of tobacco products and talk to them about them. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) initiative provides technical assistance to countries that need help to implement tobacco control and prevention initiatives and respond to the extreme burden that tobacco places on their health systems and economies.
The FCTC also has a data portal which provides access to the most recent data, graphics and maps on tobacco prevention and control. Dr. Rees points out that some of the developed countries are seeking an end to the tobacco crisis, which could occur in the coming decades. To achieve this goal, it is essential to implement evidence-based strategies such as anti-smoking policies, price increases, health education campaigns, counseling, medications, and taxes.
