Summary:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts a staggering over 1 billion smokers in 2025 and beyond, indicating that tobacco control measures which are aimed at curbing adoption and encouraging quitting are proving to be not as effective. Countries are rethinking their traditional tobacco control policies; by adding a ‘harm reduction’ approach, to offer adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, scientifically substantiated less harmful products as alternatives. Today, progressive tobacco control policies are also being adopted by both developed and emerging countries. Recently, Uruguay, transitioned from a ‘Nanny State’ with restrictive tobacco control laws to a progressive state; giving the consumer, freedom of choice. In 2005, the Government announced a series of mandates to reduce tobacco consumption resulting in a multi-decade effort to significantly increase industry regulation..