(September 23, 2016, Beijing, China and New York, USA) – Vital Strategies today welcomed the opening of the 11th Asia-Pacific Association for the Control of Tobacco Conference on Tobacco or Health (APACT), being held this year in Beijing, China. The conference program has been designed to address the importance of tobacco control and the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in preventing chronic diseases and protecting public health. Among those sharing their knowledge and experiences is Vital Strategies’ Senior Advisor for Tobacco Control, Dr Judith Mackay, who will address the Opening Plenary session and chair a session on implementing bans on tobacco advertising, marketing and promotions.
Several countries in the region have been global leaders in tobacco control in recent years. Australia implemented graphic public education campaigns and progressive tobacco taxation laws and was the first to implement plain packaging, building the evidence base for others to follow suit. The Philippines widened access to healthcare by earmarking funds from increased tobacco taxes. India introduced the “Film Rule” to ensure health warnings are screened alongside tobacco imagery in films and TV programs. And Nepal, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar – as well as Australia – have been part of a wave of Asia-Pacific countries leading the global implementation of large graphic warnings on tobacco packs, a strategy that is proven to change attitudes about tobacco’s harms and encourage quitting.
However, a number of countries in the region remain home to some of the world’s largest populations of tobacco users – with an accompanying burden of tobacco-related disease and premature death.
Judith Mackay, Senior Advisor for Tobacco Control, Vital Strategies, commented:
“Having been a founding member of the Asia-Pacific Association for the Control of Tobacco in 1989, I am delighted to see the organization growing and expanding with every triennial meeting, involving more countries and more topics. I would like to congratulate the Chinese Association for the Control of Tobacco for hosting this APACT meeting, and offer my best wishes for a successful conference.
“While several countries have been global leaders in tobacco control, huge challenges still lie ahead. The region remains home to several of the tobacco industry’s biggest markets. Economic growth is making tobacco more affordable in a number of countries, increasing consumption. In too many cases, the tobacco industry remains free to target children and youth through marketing, advertising and promotions. It traps the most vulnerable into a cycle of poverty and ill health.
“APACT nations share the same product, the same harm, the same obstacles (especially the tobacco industry) and the same action that needs to be taken to reduce this epidemic. That’s why sharing our experiences, strategies and policies is so important. The coming days will provide the impetus for further progress and with the inclusion of the WHO FCTC and tobacco control in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the potential momentum for change has never been greater.”
Winnie Chen-Yu, Vital Strategies’ Communications Manager, China concluded: “This meeting is important in enabling Chinese government representatives and health advocates to contribute their experiences in implementing tobacco control measures in the world’s most populous country, and also to learn more about the results that have been delivered in other countries, from policies that would further improve the health and wellbeing of China’s people.”
The first APACT meeting was held in 1989. The scope of the meeting and the number of attendees has widened considerably since then. Today, it is a forum where tobacco control and public health advocates, researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and youth leaders from across the region are able to share their experiences and discuss strategies for implementation of the WHO FCTC.
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies envisions a world where every person is protected by a strong public health system. Our team combines evidence-based strategies with innovation to help develop sound public health policies, manage programs efficiently, strengthen data systems, conduct research, and design strategic communication campaigns for policy and behavior change. Vital Strategies was formed when The Union North America and World Lung Foundation joined forces. It is an affiliate of The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union).
To find out more, please visit vitalstrategies.org or Twitter @VitalStrat
For further information or to arrange an interview with a Vital Strategies public health and tobacco control expert, please contact Tracey Johnston, Vital Strategies, at +44.7889.081.170 or tjohnston@vitalstrategies.org