Tobacco Control Strategies Enrich the National Strategic Plan on Prevention and Control of Cancer in Sri Lanka

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, Sri Lanka.

2 National Cancer Control Program, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

The National Cancer Control Programme Sri Lanka is the main government organization and focal point for coordinating the national response to prevention and control of cancer activities. Present National strategic plan on Cancer Prevention and Control (2020-2024) was developed by multi-sectoral expert groups. The present strategy derives its mandate from the overarching National policy documents including the NATA Act. Strategic objectives one and two of the National Strategic Plan identified the tobacco control measures. Several databases were searched to find out the relevant literature relevant to tobacco control strategies in Sri Lanka and the rest was collected from the university libraries, experts, and key persons in the field from the legal, and health sectors. It was identified more than 200 documents relevant to tobacco control. Strong legal legislations are available for measures to reduce the demand for tobacco products. Those are Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke, regulation of the contents of tobacco products, regulation of tobacco product disclosures, packaging and labeling of tobacco products, tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, licit trade in tobacco products, sales to under 21, Provision of support for economically viable alternative activities. These legislations are covering by the NATA act. New formula for tobacco taxation was submitted to the Ministry of Health. Conclusion: Strong tobacco controlling laws and legislations are available in Sri Lanka that supports achieving one and two of the strategic objectives of the National strategic plan on cancer prevention and control in Sri Lanka. Policies are needed to regularize the increased tax rates to adjust for inflation and Gross Domestic Product. WHO has categorized Sri Lanka as one of the countries which can likely achieve a decrease in tobacco smoking prevalence (30%) by 2025.

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