Country Profiles on implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the WHO Souh-East Asia Region

Abstract

WHO South-East Asia Region (‎SEAR)‎ is home to about one fourth of the world’spopulation. Studies show that more than half of adult males and nearly two in tenadult females use tobacco in one form or another. There are wide-ranging differencesamong countries as within countries in relation to tobacco use: the prevalence,types of tobacco used, gender disaggregation, etc. Types of tobacco usedand prevalence of tobacco use for adults and youth is documented in this profileby age and sex groups based on available survey data.Member States of WHO South-East Asia Region have been implementingtobacco control measures in line with the provisions of the WHO FrameworkConvention on Tobacco Control (‎WHO FCTC)‎. They are in various stages of adoptinglegislations, enforcing them and enhancing tobacco control measures. Sincethe advent of WHO FCTC, structures for the implementation of tobacco controlprogrammes have been established in most countries. These structures are taskedprimarily to monitor and facilitate implementation of the tobacco control lawsthat are in place. The tobacco control infrastructure as well as existing tobaccocontrol legislations, health warnings, taxation on tobacco products, tobaccoindustry and tobacco agriculture are also documented in this profile.At the Sixty-eighth Session of the Regional Committee, Member States unanimouslyadopted the Dili Declaration to accelerate implementation of WHO FCTC.This profile will be of benefit to Member States to monitor their tobacco controlactivities while accelerating the implementation of WHO FCTC.