Oman- WHOcalls on more nations to adopt plain packaging of tobacco products

5/31/2016 5:38:30 AM

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-

Marking World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 31, the World Health Organization and the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) have called on countries to get ready for plain (standardised) packaging of tobacco products.

Every year WHO and its partner countries mark WNTD on May 31, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

Plain packaging is an important demand reduction measure that reduces attractiveness of tobacco products, restricts use of tobacco packaging as a form of advertising and promotion, limits misleading packaging and labelling, and increases the effectiveness of health warnings, states WHO.

Dr Jawad al Lawati, senior consultant and rapporteur of the National Tobacco Control Committee (NTCC), said that Oman and GCC countries have a long way to go before plain packaging is adopted. 'There is a strong lobby opposing the changes in tobacco products packaging legislation. We need to first look in to the legal framework within each GCC country and then come to a GCC-wide collective decision regarding plain packaging,' Lawati said.

Plain packaging of tobacco products refers to measures that restrict or prohibit use of logos, colours, brand images or promotional information on packaging other than brand names and product names displayed in a standard colour and font style. Guidelines to Articles 11 and 13 of the WHO FCTC recommend that parties consider adoption of plain packaging that builds upon other measures as part of a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach to tobacco control.

Dr Lawati added that although it was difficult, forming plain packaging regulations is not impossible. 'Australia was the first country to start using plain packaging in 2012, and countries like the UK, Ireland and France adopted measures last year, which have become effective from May.'

In a message on WNTD, Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General called on governments around the world to get ready for plain packaging. 'United Nations is lending its support to one simple measure with proven effectiveness in reducing demand: The plain packaging of tobacco products. Tobacco use is one of the largest causes of preventable non-communicable diseases, including cancers, heart and lung disease. It also diverts valuable household income.'

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