WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3 E-Update

Tobacco Industry Interference -  Key Articles published in Academic Journals

Impact of smokeless tobacco policies

A study by Aastha Chugh highlights the need for standardized methodologies to assess the impact of smokeless tobacco policies. Despite the WHO Framework Convention, determining their true impact remains challenging due to industry interests and the need for regulation. While taxation and policy initiatives can reduce smokeless tobacco use, governments have failed to combat the industry's impact on global health.

Source: The Lancet, Vol 11 September 2023, https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2214-109X%2823%2900309-1  

 

Tobacco industry interference to undermine the development and implementation of graphic health warnings in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's 2013 Tobacco Control Act mandated graphic health warnings on tobacco packets, but they remain in the bottom 50%. The tobacco industry influenced the development and implementation of GHWs, with cigarette companies lobbying for lobbying. Tensions between government bodies and industry influence highlight the need for on going surveillance and prioritizing WHO Framework Convention implementation.

Source: BMJ, Shahriar MH, et al. Tob Control 2023;0:1–9. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2022-057538. 

https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2023/04/24/tc-2022-057538

 

Tobacco industry strategies for flavour capsule cigarettes: analysis of patents and internal industry documents

The global flavour capsule variants (FCVs) market has grown significantly, and understanding tobacco industry strategies is crucial for regulatory efforts. Since the 1960s, companies have developed microcapsule coatings, adjustable flavors, ventilation features, and loose capsule units. Tobacco product regulations should prohibit flavors to prevent exploiting regulatory vulnerabilities.

Source: BMJ, van der Eijk Y, Teo KW, Tan GPP, et al. Tobacco Control 2023;32:e53-e61. https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/32/e1/e53

 

Awareness, attitudes, and practices relating to Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control among members oftobacco control committees in a southern Indian state

The study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and implementation of Article 5.3 guidelines among DLCC members in Karnataka. Results showed a need for more understanding, with 80% aware of tobacco companies' CSR being an indirect form of tobacco promotion. 44%believed TI's CSR funding should combat tobacco-related harm.

Source: BMJ, Kumar P, Kamath VG, Kamath A, et al. Tobacco Control Published Online First: 26 June 2023. doi: 10.1136/tc-2022-057699. https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2023/06/25/tc-2022-057699

RESOURCE DATABASE ON TOBACCO INDUSTRY INTERFERENCE

COMING SOON 

The Resource Database serves as a safeguard for public health policies related to tobacco control, shielding them from the influence of the tobacco industry.

Its primary objectives include monitoring tobacco industry activities, spotlighting industry-backed third parties, and sharing essential insights derived from industry sources. This encompasses research, marketing strategies, lobbying efforts, and financial support to external entities.

 

The database is a repository of two key categories of information: the identities of organizations funded by the tobacco industry and submissions made by the industry to government bodies. By curating these data, the database effectively combats tobacco industry interference by countering misinformation tactics, unmasking front organizations, and promoting transparency.

 

Moreover, the database is a catalyst for research and analysis, empowering experts to extract valuable insights. The successful execution of these activities may involve negotiations with potential partners and considerations of available resources.

 

For further details, feel free to reach out to the Manager of the Knowledge Hub at worrawan@kh.tu.ac.th.