graphic warnings

Norway: Norway announces graphic warnings

The announcement is on the site of the Norwegian Health Ministry . They are taken from the EU warnings (as the one above). Here on a pdf document (slow to open). I wonder how long they'll remain in place before being eventually replaced as we know rotating warnings is important to maintain their effectiveness.

Uruguay: New graphic warnings on 80% of the pack. CONGRATULATIONS!

Rob Cunningham writes (and we totally agree):  Congratulations to Uruguay which yesterday on September 1, 2009 finalized Ministerial Ordonnance 466/2009 to require a new set of six graphic warnings to cover 80% of the front and back of the package.  Uruguay will have the largest cigarette package warnings in the world.  The new graphic images will be required to appear on packages 180 days from the issuance of the Ordonnance, or March 1, 2010.  What Uruguay has done is a very important achievement.

Malaysia: put Adnan on cigarette packs, not hideous pictures

Maybe something that should be tested: including "positive" pictures along the frightening ones and see how they compare. Could Adnan who quit smoking at 50 be a role model?
Source: New Straits Times

Spain to place graphic warnings on cigarette packs

Spain said Tuesday it plans to force tobacco companies to put gruesome images on cigarette packets to warn smokers of the health risks, a measure already introduced in some other European countries.

European Commission will look at which pictures work best to help smokers quit

The European Commission is planning a new study aimed at developing better graphic images to warn of the damaging effects of tobacco, in a bid to encourage more European Union countries to put the pictures on cigarette packets.

Haravgi-Nina Papadoulaki, spokeswoman for the EC’s commissioner for health and consumer protection, said that, although the commission developed a library of pictorial health warnings in 2005, only three European Union member states have started putting the images on cigarette packets: the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Latvia.

From the BMJ

Bangladesh: graphic health warnings requested by a human chain

The present written tobacco health warning is of no use as most of the people in Bangladesh are illiterate. So, graphic health warnings for tobacco products are much needed for mass understanding of the messages regarding the damages done by tobacco.  The demand was made by the Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance and Madok Drabya-O- Nesha Birodhi Council (Manobik). The human chain took place at Shahbagh in front of the National Museum on 04 April 2009 at 11 a.m.

(More Picture and Pess release English)

China: China's anti-tobacco fighters demand warning pictures on cigarettes

Anti-tobacco advocates are looking for support on the internet (via the net citizens or netizens) according to this article published in the People's Daily.
Source: People's Daily Online

World’s Largest Cigarette Package Health Warnings – Historical Evolution

With Mauritius enacting graphic health warnings that will take 65% of the surface of a pack, the Canadian expert Rob Cunningham gives us a short chronology
listing each occasion where a new world precedent was set in terms of the size of cigarette package health warnings.   The listing below refers to size as an average of the package front and back.  The listing includes the year of implementation.

20%     Canada, 1989
30%     Poland, 1998
35%     Canada, 1994 (including border)
50%     Canada, 2001
56%     Belgium, 2003 (including border)
60%     Australia, 2006
65%     Mauritius, 2009

Mauritius Island: Graphic warnings to figure on cigarette packs sold in Mauritius from June 1st 2009

From the blog of Véronique Le Clézio (with all our congratulations):

The new amendments to the tobacco law and the 8 graphic warning images were presented to the media during a press conference at the Ministry of Health today, the 12th of February 2009.

 

These graphic warnings will figure on the cigarette packs sold in Mauritius as from the 1st of June 2009. Mauritius will then be the first country in Africa to implement article 11, with a world record of 65% of the surface of the pack!

 

This is the result of the earnest collaboration and hard work of ViSa and the Ministry of Health, and also thanks to the excellent help and support of the FCA.

Iran: here come the graphic health warnings

Ali Abdolahinia, M.D, Research Manager for the Iranian Anti Tobacco Association explains:

"The first series of tobacco products with Health Warning pictures have been introduced to the Iranian market. Within the course of the next few months, similar pictures will be imprinted on all locally produced as well as imported tobacco products. The pictures will cover some 50% of both the front and the back of the cigarette packs, most of which concern the diseases related to tobacco consumption."

Malaysia: graphic warnings to appear in March

The text says "Cigarettes cause neck cancer

Source: AsiaOne Health

WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY 2009 Theme: Tobacco Health Warnings

The World Health Organization (WHO) selected "Tobacco Health Warnings" as the theme for the next World No Tobacco Day, which will take place on 31 May 2009.

Tobacco health warnings appear on packs of cigarettes and are among the strongest defenses against the global epidemic of tobacco.

WHO particularly approves of tobacco health warnings that contain both pictures and words because they are the most effective at convincing people to quit. Such pictorial warnings appear in more than a dozen countries.

On World No Tobacco Day 2009, and throughout the following year, WHO will encourage governments to adopt tobacco health warnings that meet all the criteria for maximal effectiveness, including that they cover more than half of the pack, appear on both the front and back of the pack and contain pictures.

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control obligates its more than 160 countries parties to require "health warnings describing the harmful effects of tobacco use" on packs of tobacco and their outside packaging and recommends that the warnings contain pictures. WHO works through its Tobacco Free Initiative department to help the parties to meet their obligation, providing technical and other assistance.

As WHO Director General Margaret Chan says, "We hold in our hands the solution to the global tobacco epidemic that threatens the lives of one billion men, women and children during this century."

Tobacco health warnings are a big part of the solution about which Dr Chan speaks.

Please return soon to this website for a richer explanation of why the World Health Organization chose "Tobacco Health Warnings" as the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2009 and about what the warnings -- pictorial ones in particular -- can do to fight tobacco.

On World No Tobacco Day 2009, and throughout the following year, WHO will encourage governments to adopt tobacco health warnings that meet all the criteria for maximal effectiveness, including that they cover more than half of the pack, appear on both the front and back of the pack and contain pictures.

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control obligates its more than 160 countries parties to require "health warnings describing the harmful effects of tobacco use" on packs of tobacco and their outside packaging and recommends that the warnings contain pictures. WHO works through its Tobacco Free Initiative department to help the parties to meet their obligation, providing technical and other assistance.

As WHO Director General Margaret Chan says, "We hold in our hands the solution to the global tobacco epidemic that threatens the lives of one billion men, women and children during this century."

Tobacco health warnings are a big part of the solution about which Dr Chan speaks.

Please return soon to this website for a richer explanation of why the World Health Organization chose "Tobacco Health Warnings" as the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2009 and about what the warnings -- pictorial ones in particular -- can do to fight tobacco.

New Zealand: Images credited with helping 170,000 stub out bad habit

Two years ago, when the introduction of photographic health warnings on cigarette packets were announced, a quarter of New Zealanders smoked. Now, almost a year after the graphic reminders of the health risks of smoking appeared on every tobacco product sold in this country, that has dropped to one in five Kiwis.

"It's a huge gain. It equates to 170,000 less smokers," the Ministry of Health's national director of tobacco control, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, said.

Philippines: Congressmen got cash to oppose graphic warnings

A very interesting article.
 Source: ABS-CBN

Inhaling Fear: why Martin Lindstrom does not believe in graphic warnings

It is an OpEd in the New York Times. I am not convinced. The industry knows better and they definitely oppose graphic health warnings. I wonder what Lindstrom has to gain: the pleasure of being a contrarian and promoting his branding guru image? Frankly he should look elsewhere to boost his ego.

Here is a blog that disapproves (but watch for the techno-science language). Taking the industry test is simpler. One can also wonder why the New York Times chose to publish this stuff as the scientific basis is very limited (to say the least). A preemptive strike?

India postpones the introduction of graphic health warnings until May 2009

Supposedly it is because the economic recession and the warnings would be too much for the tobacco industry. A sad example of the industry's political muscle when India is going to host the next World Conference on Tobacco or Health in Mumbai in March 2009.
Source: The Times of India

About plain packaging: Kill the tobacco industry or it will keep killing

Simon Chapman and Becky Freeman published this opinion about plain packaging in the Sidney Morning Herald.

UK: An opinion against graphic warnings

Graphic warnings are coming to the UK and  Times columnist Mike Hume really dislikes them. His reasoning and arguments are not new but from time to time it is useful to keep track of them.

Latest news from Rob Cunningham: Picture health warnings required by 23 countries/jurisdictions

Rob provides us (as usual) with the latest information. I noticed the opening of a new site called the Tobacco Labelling Resource Centre (too bad it is not in a blog format as it would be much easier to navigate and keep informed about).

UK: Towards plain packaging?

UK is considering plan packaging. The Tobacco industry is worried.
Source: The Observer

In preparation for COP 3

Draft guidelines for implementation of article 11, packaging and labeling,  ici en français

Here are the FCTC preparatory documents already available (unfortunately only in pdf) for the preparation of COP 3 that will take place in Durban (November 17-22).

Graphic health warnings need to cover the entire surface of cigarette packages if they are to become more effective

Graphic health warnings need to cover almost the entire surface of cigarette packages if they are to become more effective in convincing smokers to kick the deadly habit, new Health Canada research found. (here the report in pdf format).
"Findings suggest that increasing the current size of warnings of cigarette packages is not very effective to negatively affect image of smokers or perception of cigarette product attributes, unless health warning messages occupy the entire front panel," the study states.

Source: Canwest News Service

What company would keep the same ads for 7 years?

That's why the graphic health warnings should change regularly (every six months like in Australia) and automatically, ie without having to return to the legislature or a complex regulatory process.
Canada made the first step when introducing graphic health warnings but missed out on the good way to keep them most effective. Not raised in the article is the option that the ads could also  use other  types of images and messages for instance lovertising :)

Source: Can News Service

Country comparison: literacy rates

Source: Index Mundi

Also a World Map

Egypt intoduces graphic cigarette warnings, starting August 1st

With effect from the 1st of August, cigarette packs in Egypt will feature graphic health warnings, informing smokers of the devastating health effects of smoking. Images will include: a dying man in an oxygen mask, a coughing child, a fetus with a warning of the harm to pregnancy, or a limp cigarette, symbolizing impotence.

Source: Jackie Tumwine's blog.

With effect from the 1st of August, cigarette packs in Egypt will feature graphic health warnings, informing smokers of the devastating health effects of smoking. Images will include: a dying man in an oxygen mask, a coughing child, a fetus with a warning of the harm to pregnancy, or a limp cigarette, symbolizing impotence.

Source: Jackie Tumwine's blog.

Pack Warnings: which way Africa? by Adeola Akinremi

Adeola wrote in 2007: The FCTC allows parties an accelerated period of three (3) years to introduce package warnings upon ratification. Thus, for the African countries that have ratified and made it to the COP1 they have less than two years to make good their promise to abide by the regulations of the FCTC.

In more ways than one, the warning label as contained in the article 11 of the FCTC would help Africa, if quickly implemented.
For instance specific harm message on cigarette packs will reveal a lot to African people and as such the cliché that one picture is better than a thousand words is very apt here.

FCTC - Article 11 - Packaging and labelling of tobacco products

FCTC - Article 11 - Packaging and labelling of tobacco products (p.9/10)  (pdf format)

1. Each party shall, within a period of three years after the entry into force of this Convention for that Party, adopt and implement, in accordance with its national law, effective measures to ensure that:

Few countries have comprehensive pack warnings - from the MPower report p. 54/56

From the MPower Report, the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2008 (p.54/56) (pdf format)
Warning people about the harms of tobacco use is essential and can be achieved in many ways.
This initial report on the global tobacco epidemic reviews countries' requirements for size and characteristics of health warnings on tobacco packs, which disseminate health information at no cost to government except for enforcement.

The role of pack warnings (MPower report p.40/41)

From the MPower report , the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2008 (pages 40/41) (pdf format):
Health warnings on the packaging of all tobacco products are guaranteed to reach all users.
Tobacco manufacturers have always used packaging as a platform to reinforce brand loyalty and user's perceived self-image, particularly among young people.
Pack warnings reduce this marketing effect.

The cover of Tobacco Control Journal for June 2008

4 of Australia's 14 rotating pack warnings

New Health Warnings in Brazil

Launched for World No Tobacco Day on May 31, they are particularly strong. Here the Brazilian website and here from the Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada (where the copy is easier).

Show smoking’s effects on packs says Dr Antonio Anzueto

According to an international expert on respiratory diseases, all cigarettes sold must have graphic images showing the side effects of smoking.
Dr. Antonio Anzueto, a professor at the University of Texas Health Center, cited the rising number of smokers in the Asia-Pacific.
Scary antismoking images could dissuade people from lighting up, said Anzueto during a press conference in Singapore.

Yussuf Saloojee about the need for graphic warnings

Here is the presentation given by Yussuf Saloojee in Cape Town during the 38th World Conference on Lung Health organized by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.
LISTEN (5 min)

Filipinos want graphic warnings on cigarette packs

An unpublished survey done by the Philippine College of Chest Physicians for the September-October period showed that over 90 percent of Filipino smokers surveyed want picture-based warnings on the cigarette packs, instead of the usual textual-based ones.
The study, said anti-smoking group Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance, Philippines (FCAP), shows that even smokers know how effective picture-based warnings could be.

FCTC: countries start drafting the guidelines for graphic health warnings

Some 150 delegates from the Philippines and 35 other countries are meeting beginning Wednesday to Friday (Nov. 7-9) at the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region office in Manila to draft the guidelines for putting these visual health warnings on the packages of tobacco products and other provisions of Article 11 of the global Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of WHO.

Source : bayanihan.org

UK: Imperial Tobacco CEO negates the impact of graphic warnings

Imperial Tobacco CEO Gareth Davis says he does not believe graphic warnings would change the behavior of smokers and he has seen no evidence that they have an impact.  That's a denial of the existing scientific studies and the line given by the civil servants who also oppose graphic warnings (like in France).

Philippines: A Petition for a New Law and Graphic Warnings

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP) is gathering one million signatures to convince lawmakers to file the bill. Gruesome photos of health effects on cigarette packets are aimed at discouraging people from smoking.

A report from the European Parliament's Environment Committee supports graphic warnings

LOTHIANS-BASED Euro MP David Martin has welcomed tough new moves by Brussels to deter youngsters from smoking.

The European Parliament's environment committee voted in favour of a report which proposes young people should not have access to cigarette machines and that hard-hitting picture warnings should be mandatory on all tobacco products sold in the EU.

They also called for all EU countries to ban smoking in indoor public places within two years.

Mr Martin, who sits on the environment committee, said: "Member states must commit themselves to reduce smoking among young people by at least 50 per cent by 2025 and I am pleased my colleagues voted to accept these proposals." Source: The Scotsman

China: Graphic Warnings in 2009, maybe earlier.

Chinese tobacco producers must print warning symbols, such as pictures of human skeletons and rotten lungs, on cigarette packages by January 2009 to realize the country's commitment to the "Framework Convention on Tobacco Control," an official with the Ministry of Health said today.

Source: Shanghai Daily

Finland: graphic warnings to be introduced

Mandatory pictures indicating the dangers of smoking are to be included on cigarette packages in Finland. The newspaper Kaleva writes that Social Services Minister Paula Risikko will sign a statute ordering the use of the images in the autumn.