Promise this declaration upholds for public health
The declaration commits the local leaders to implement the World Health Organization (WHO) best-buys for control and prevention of NCDs. These best-buys include:
i) reduce tobacco use;
ii) reduce harmful use of alcohol;
iii) reduce unhealthy diet;
iv) reduce physical inactivity;
v) manage cardiovascular disease and diabetes;
vi) manage cancer; and
vii) manage chronic respiratory diseases.
Dr Tara Singh Bam, who has worked closely with AP-CAT leadership since its inception, said that local leaders can implement tobacco control best-buys recommended by WHO, by creating a 100% smoke-free environment in public places, work places and public transport, and encourage family to create smoke-free homes and social events. Ban on all forms of direct, indirect and surrogate tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship must be strictly enforced. Local leaders should support national governments to take scientific evidence into account and increase the size of pictorial health warnings with a provision for plain packaging. Thailand has become the first country in entire Asia to adopt plain packaging. It is a strong precedent for other Asian nations to follow, Dr Bam said to CNS (Citizen News Service). Likewise, local leaders promised to support national governments to raise taxes on tobacco products.
Tobacco industry interference is major development challenge
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