Tobacco Control In Developing Countries

There is no doubt that smoking is damaging global health on an unprecedented scale. However, there is continuing debate on the economics of tobacco control, including the costs and consequences of tobacco control policies. This book aims to fill the analytic gap around this debate This book brings together a set of critical reviews of the current status of knowledge on tobacco control. While the focus is on the needs of low-income and middle- income countries, the analyses are relevant globally. The book examines tobacco use and its consequences including new analyses of welfare issues in tobacco consumption, poverty and tobacco, and the rationale for government involvement. It provides an evidence-based review of policies to reduce demand including taxation, information, and regulation. It critically reviews supply-side issues such as trade and industry and farming issues, including new analyses on smuggling. It also discusses the impact of tobacco control programs on economies, including issues such as employment, tax revenue and welfare losses. It provides new evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of control interventions. Finally, it outlines broad areas for national and international action, including future research directions. A statistical annex will contain information on where the reader can find data on tobacco consumption, prices, trade, employment and other items. The book is directed at academic economists and epidemiologists as well as technical staff within governments and international agencies. Students of economics, epidemiology and public policy will find this an excellent comprehensive introduction to economics of tobacco control.

The bulk of the world’s tobacco is produced in low- and middle-income countries. In order to dissuade these countries from implementing policies aimed at curbing tobacco consumption (such as increased taxes, health warnings, advertising bans and smoke-free environments), the tobacco industry claims that tobacco farmers will be negatively affected and that no viable, sustainable alternatives exist. This book, based on original research from three continents, exposes the myths behind these claims.

Annotation. Addresses important economic and social issues confronting policymakers when dealing with the issue of tobacco control and its impact on the social and economic resources of both developed and developing countries.

Currently, there are over 1.2 billion tobacco users in the world, most in developing countries. Tobacco use causes diseases and premature death, and threatens both social and economic development. This book contains case studies which detail a collection of diverse economic, social and political situations from six countries (Brazil, Bangladesh, Canada, Poland, South Africa and Thailand) which are in different stages of the tobacco epidemic and which have achieved notable success in implementing policies designed to reduce tobacco use.

The first major book by political scientists explaining global tobacco control policy. It identifies a history of minimal tobacco control then charts the extent to which governments have regulated tobacco in the modern era. It identifies major policy change from the post-war period and uses theories of public policy to help explain the change.

Tobacco is reported to be the second major cause of death in the world and there is ever-increasing interest in the costs of smoking, especially in the light of evidence of the health effects of second-hand smoke. This book brings together the findings of economists on the effectiveness of price and non-price policy initiatives to combat smoking and draws conclusions regarding the efficacy of the various policy measures. The authors evaluate the relative effectiveness of price-based smoking control policies (i.e. tax) in relation to non-price strategies (including advertising restrictions, sales restrictions, territorial restrictions and health warnings). They review evidence not only from the US but also from around the world, drawing important conclusions for developing countries where smoking is on the rise. The book will be essential reading for policy makers, health practitioners and researchers in health economics.