Prevention of Rising Tobacco Consumption in Iran

The problem of tobacco use is growing rapidly in Iran. Without takingappropriate measures,it is predicted that, Iran (along with Pakistan and Egypt) will have the highest prevalenceof tobacco consumption in the worldin the next forty years, and will not be able to achieve the national goal of reducing the consumption of tobacco by 30% by the year 2025. The main reasons for rising tobacco consumption include: governmental support of the tobacco industry, low tax and low price of cigarettes and tobacco products, non-enforcement of the law prohibiting advertisementand promotion of tobacco products, ease of access to tobacco products, and lack of an effective program to encourage smoking cessation. Some effective measures for changing this situation include increasing tax on tobacco, fully implementing the decree banning flavored tobacco, fully implementing the law banning smoking in public places, implementing the law on simple packaging of tobacco products, providing information about smoking cessation services, and encouraging quitting, providing userswith pharmaceutical cessation aidsand free services, and insurance support for these services. The Academy of Medical Sciences will prepare this policy brief via inquiring opinions of the experts. The presented proposals be placed on the agenda of the respected Board of Ministers after necessary investigations.