Title : Tobacco control priorities in India: Development of a consensus statement
Abstract:
Background: Tobacco consumption remains a significant global public health challenge, causing over 8 million preventable deaths annually, with India bearing a substantial burden as second-largest producer and consumer of tobacco products. Despite robust tobacco control policies, gaps persist, challenging effective implementation. To address these challenges, national consultation was organized, bringing together experts to identify priorities and formulate an action plan.
Design/Methods: A national consultation on ‘tobacco control priorities in India- challenges and way forward’ was organized where in a total of 43 experts from government, developmental organizations and academia participated to formulate Short, Intermediate and Long-term priorities for tobacco control in
India. Preceding the consultation, an extensive literature review and policy analysis were conducted to establish initial priorities. Subsequently, a consensus statement was developed to assist policy makers in identifying tobacco control priorities in India with an overall goal to achieve SDG 3a, aiming to strengthen the implementation of the WHO FCTC.
Results: The proposed short-term priorities focused on promoting anti-tobacco curricula in health educational institutions, expanding cessation services, creating a national task force for TC, training, monitoring and evaluation, strengthening COTPA with stronger and effective TC measures. The intermediate priorities focused upon advancing tobacco taxation, Tobacco-Free environments, adopting and implementing FCTC Article 5.3, building capacity of National Tobacco Testing Laboratories and implementation of TVL and long-term priorities for tobacco control focused upon on developing a comprehensive, multisectoral strategy to address the policy gaps and maintain resources that support the sustainability of tobacco control efforts to reach the goal of tobaccofree India.
Conclusions: National policies and legislation play a crucial role in strengthening the comprehensive tobacco control framework. The collaborative
formulation of short, intermediate, and long-term priorities for tobacco control in India is essential for phased implementation toward achieving a TobaccoFree Generation, emphasizing a holistic approach for addressing challenges and leading the way ahead.
Summary: India faces a significant tobacco burden as the second-largest producer and consumer globally. Despite robust policies, implementation gaps persist. A national consultation with 43 experts was organized to identify priorities and formulate an action plan to strengthen tobacco control and achieve the WHO FCTC and SDG 3a goals in India.
