Issued by Department of Health
24 February 2008
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has welcomed the new report on global tobacco control efforts released by the World Health Organisation which indicates that consumption of cigarette in South Africa has "declined dramatically" because of higher taxes. (Report available on http://www.who.int/tobacco/mpower/en/index.html)
"The report gives South Africa more reasons to celebrate the national Healthy Lifestyle Day as the Healthy Lifestyle Campaign focuses on tobacco control, responsible alcohol use, physical activity and good nutrition," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang. The Healthy Lifestyle Day was observed in Port Shepstone (KZN) on Friday, February 22.
The WHO report argues that higher taxes are especially important for deterring tobacco use among the young and the poor, who will benefit most from a decrease in consumption. People in these socioeconomic groups are much more sensitive to the price of goods. Higher tobacco prices help convince them to quit or not to start using tobacco in the first place.
"In South Africa, for example, tobacco tax rates were increased by 250% during the 1990s to slightly less than 50% of the retail price. Cigarette consumption fell by 5% to 7% for every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes, resulting in a sharp decline in consumption, with the largest smoking decreases among the young and the poor," the report states. (Page 40-41)
The WHO report indicates that consumption decreased from close to 2 billion packs of cigarettes in 1990 to 1.3 billion in 2005. 40% of the decrease was attributable to smokers quitting because of significant increase in prices of cigarettes. The largest decrease was among young people and low-wage earners who reduced smoking most when prices increased.
The report suggests that higher taxes reduce consumption of tobacco and lead to lower health-care costs. The intervention helps households save money, as well as increase government revenues, which can help to pay for tobacco control interventions and other policy priorities.
In this report which presents the first comprehensive analysis of global tobacco use and control efforts, WHO finds that only 5% of the world's population live in countries (including South Africa) that fully protect their population with any one of the key measures that reduce smoking rates.
The six key tobacco control measures recommended by WHO are:
The report gives South Africa 7 out of 10 for enforcement of bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship relating to tobacco and 5 out of 10 for protecting people from tobacco smoke through smoke-free environments. The country has complied will all requirements on placing health warnings on tobacco packages except for placing pictorial warnings. Amendments are being made to the Tobacco Control Act to add this obligation on tobacco producer. (Report country profile Page 146 - 149)
South Africa is also found to be doing well in providing counseling and treatment for tobacco dependence and in allocation of resources for tobacco prevention.
"This is a significant progress for a developing country like South Africa if you consider the WHO report's observation that only 5% of the world's population live in countries that protect their population with any one of the key measures that reduce smoking rates.
"We have to sustain and build from these gains if we are to reduce the high levels of morbidity and mortality related to tobacco use which WHO puts 1 in every 10 deaths worldwide," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
Contact: Sibani Mngadi @ 0827720161