ACS Offers Tobacco-Tax Strategies at High-level Meeting Attended by Governments from 15 African Countries

Gaborone, Botswana —  During the week of June 4, the American Cancer Society participated in a high-level meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Gaborone, Botswana. Organized by the World Bank and the SADC Secretariat, the purpose of the meeting was to address strategies to support tobacco taxes and combat illegal trade in the region. The meeting included governments from 15 African countries.

ACS is leading the global fight against noncommunicable diseases and tobacco control in Africa is a cornerstone of this fight. This fight is far from over. According to the latest Tobacco Atlas , published by the American Cancer Society and produced in partnership with the World Lung Foundation, Africa has 4 out of 5 countries with the greatest increase of tobacco produced in the past decade: 

Staff members from ACS who led our delegation include: Greg Bontrager, Society chief operating officer, and Dr. Hana Ross and Dr. Evan Blecher on the ACS International Tobacco Control Research Program team.

During the meeting, our ACS International Tobacco Control Research Program partnered with the World Bank, the Southern African Development Community, and the Bloomberg Global Initiative on Tobacco Control to organize a workshop called the Economics of Tobacco Control in Southern Africa : The Issues of Taxation and Illicit Trade in Gaborone, Botswana. The workshop included high level discussions on tobacco tax policy in the region and promoted tobacco taxes as an important tool to reduce tobacco use and fund public health. Dr. Ross and Dr. Blecher made 3 presentations providing an overview of tobacco taxation, de-bunking the myths surrounding tobacco taxation, and presenting a regional case study on illicit trade. Other presenters included American Cancer Society partner Professor Corne van Walbeek from the University of Cape Town, who is the principle investigator of an ACS-funded project within the African Tobacco Control Consortium (ATCC) project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In his opening comments at the workshop, the Minister of Health of Botswana, the Hon. Rev. Dr. John Seakgonsing, stressed the importance of the link between tobacco use, socioeconomic status and poverty, and indicated the importance of using tobacco taxes as a tool to reduce the affordability of tobacco products, especially in a region which is experience robust economic growth and development.

This collaborative workshop shows the high profile of ACS in the international tobacco control community and our unique expertise on tobacco taxation. Tobacco taxation has been a critical tool in reducing tobacco use and saving lives in the United States and is the single most effective tool in reducing tobacco use and saving lives on a global level. Reduced tobacco use is one of the critical means of fighting cancer, and increased tobacco use in Africa is the most dangerous risk factor in the growth of noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, in Africa.

For the most up-to-date information on tobacco and tobacco control, visit tobaccoatlas.org.

 

Comments

[Louis Vuitton Canada]

Virtually no Sod LawnsYou are http://www.coachfactoryonline2012sale.com/ Coach Factory Online unable to merely spare liquid from certainly not irrigating any http://www.louisvuittonlcanadav.ca/ Louis Vuitton Canada property And it will save you an online great deal of liquid not to mention http://www.ukggboots.co.uk/ UGG UK conserve the habitat through getting eliminate your current playing surface sod.

[Tiffany and co outlet]

http://www.itiffanyandcooutlet.co.uk / Tiffany UK
http://www.itiffanyandcooutlet.co.uk / Tiffany and co outlet
http://www.michaelkorsoutlet0o.com / Michael Kors Outlet
http://www.michaelkorsoutlet0o.com / Michael Kors Handbags Outlet
http://www.michaelkorsoutlet0o.com / Michael Kors sale

[get pregnant after miscarriage]

Touchdowns: Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and help fight cancer and protect your heart and teeth. It is beneficial to fight different kind of diseases, most of all to fight cancer. This wonder food is purported to fight cancer, control cholesterol, increase energy, improve your sex life and help you lose weight.

[Celine Bags Sale]

Hello joyggakle, on child sudden child wether which excellent, are sure to every person digest gained a foul joyful performing day? I obsession anyone joyful every and a regular crucial operating day -Celine Bags Sale if you may have shipping up, reduce what i am your best things about address, i might want to have a look at it! Celine Bags Sale.
Good cacuqiwt!!

[GraPiks]

Terri,I greatly adirme you for your work with the seriously ill patients you care for. I'm sure your efforts are much appreciated by the families & patients. Cindywww.cynthiareeg.com