Report says MPOWER can stub out alarming rise in tobacco use

“The initiative is a package of policies and interventions to guide countries in implementing the measures of the (WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control),” the well-known figures behind the study pointed out.

“These strategies are extracted from the Convention as six effective demand reduction measures and have shown success when implemented fully.

In addition, it stresses the importance of surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation to measure the impact of tobacco control strategies and adjust as needed.”

MPOWER moots the establishment of surveillance systems to monitor the magnitude, patterns, determinants, and consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure.

It also advocates for effective legislative, executive and administrative measures to protect people from exposure to second hand smoke in in-door workplaces, public transport, in-door public places and, as appropriate, other public places. Signatories to the Convention, such as Oman, should also work to address tobacco dependence by promoting services for the cessation of tobacco use, according to the paper.

Possible interventions include counselling through regular health services and telephone help-lines and access to pharmacological therapy.

Other key provisions mooted under MPOWER call for steep tariff increases on tobacco products, effective bans on tobacco advertising and sponsorship, and heightened awareness about the dangers of tobacco use.