graphic warnings

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.

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

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.

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).