In October 2019, in the province of Córdoba, Law 10,661 was passed, amending Law 9,113 establishing the Permanent Provincial Program for the Prevention and Control of Smoking in the province of Córdoba. This new legislation extends the threshold of protection of the right to health. We share an analysis of this last sanctioned law.
Tag Archive for: Tobacco Control
Following the opportunity represented by the change of management at the municipal level, we want to express ourselves on key issues for the future of our city. Therefore, we jointly address other Cordoba organizations to the new Mayor of Córdoba, Martín Llaryora, with the aim of making recommendations regarding structural problems that cause serious damage to human rights.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.
Within the framework of the assumption of the new municipal management, there are unattended situations for years that need an urgent response. Through an open letter, we announce in ten points what these problems are and we make ourselves available to the new cabinet to work in an articulated way.
The ten points are summarized in:
- Environmental and health emergency in the Chacras de la Merced neighborhood
- Solid Urban Waste
- Urban Planning and Development
- Gender parity in the cabinet
- Trans labor inclusion and quota law
- Access to Legal Disruption of Pregnancy in Primary Care Centers
- Application of the Micaela law
- Access to public information
- Healthy school environments
- Smoke-free environments and protection of the non-smoker
These are 10 points, which are not exhaustive or exclusive of other problems, but require an urgent response because of the critical situations they represent. We hope that in the next 4 years we can articulate a joint work to continue advancing in the fulfillment of the human rights of the Cordoba community.
Contact
Carolina Tamagnini, carotamagnini@fundeps.org
On October 9, the Cordoba Legislature passed Law 10,661 that modifies Law No. 9113 of the Permanent Provincial Program for the Prevention and Control of Smoking. The modification includes the complete ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products, including the display of products; and also provides for the prohibition of commercialization and use in public places of electronic cigarettes and similar devices.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”
Until the enactment of tobacco law No. 10,661, in the province of Córdoba, the prohibitions on advertising established by national law 26.6887 governed by adhesion of provincial law No. 10.026. National law prohibits the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products directly or indirectly and through any means of dissemination or communication; leaving the advertisements at points of sale, the publications of companies in the sector and direct communications safe, with the prior consent and verification of the age of majority of the recipients.
However, through the new local regulations, progress is made in a higher standard of protection of the right to health than the one established in the national norm, completely prohibiting advertising, promotion and sponsorship and including the display of the product as part of that prohibition. Specifically, the law prohibits:
“The advertising, promotion, sponsorship and exhibition of products made with tobacco, its derivatives and accessories for smoking, in dispensers and any other kind of shelving located in the premises where such products are sold, and the sponsorship, sponsorship and use of direct or indirect incentives that encourage the purchase or that offer promotional discounts, delivery of gifts and prizes in money or species for the acquisition or consumption of the products and elements mentioned in this Law ”.
As for electronic devices, the standard prohibits “throughout the scope of the Province of Córdoba the distribution and marketing of products intended for smoking, as well as electronic devices with tobacco or any other substance that emits smoke, gases or vapors using the electronic cigarette, vapers and all other devices of a similar nature, to all persons under eighteen years of age ”.
From Fundeps, more than two years ago, we presented a bill with this initiative, in line with the recommendation of the World Health Organization. We rely on surveys that we carry out together with the Tobacco Smoke Free Alliance (ALIAR) that show that, in recent years, the points of sale include striking, colorful and visible advertising from outside these spaces. These strategies are more frequent at points of sale near schools. In this context, it is not surprising that more than half of the people who smoke start their consumption between 12 and 15 years.
We welcome this breakthrough which means a breakthrough, now we have to work for the proper implementation and supervision of these regulations. Our work as a civil society will continue to accompany this process and continue to demand that the highest levels of protection of the right to health be guaranteed.
More information
Contact
Agustina Mozzoni, agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org
On October 2 we filed complaints with the Ministry of Health of the Nation and the ANMAT (National Administration of Medicines, Food and Technology) denouncing the advertisements that MigVapor, an electronic cigarette company, has been making through music videos of different artists -influencers-. In Argentina, the advertising and marketing of electronic cigarettes is prohibited.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.
On October 2, we filed complaints with the Secretary of Government of Health of the Nation and ANMAT, requesting the elimination of music videos that advertise and promote the use of electronic cigarettes and that are hosted on the YouTube platform. Additionally, we ask that the links found in the descriptions of the videos and that redirect to the website to acquire them be removed.
Electronic cigarettes constitute a real threat to public health throughout the world and their consumption is constantly increasing even in those countries where tobacco consumption had been eradicated. The eCig generally works with a battery coil that heats a liquid solution composed of nicotine, essential tobacco oils, flavoring and flavoring substances and other chemical substances, which are inhaled by the user. These levels of nicotine concentration in the solutions can vary according to the product but the negative impact on health is the same.
The industry spends millions of dollars annually to market its products through various advertising, promotion and sponsorship actions. For some time now and with the increase in the use of the internet and social networks, an important focus of marketing campaigns has been the use of young influencers, who through various types of publications have the possibility of influencing opinion and behavior of thousands of people.
This has been the strategy employed by MigVapor LLC, which for some time now uses different artists from the music industry to promote their products, through the appearance of several models of electronic cigarettes being used by the artists, the Visible brand name and in the descriptions of the videos, a redirect link to the website where they can be purchased and in some cases, including, including promotional discounts.
We have found this advertising in the following music videos, available for viewing on the YouTube platform of Argentina:
- “Chambea” – Bad Bunny
- “MotorSport” – Migos, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B
- “Krippy Kush” – Farruko, Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny ft. Travis Scott, Rvssian
- “Solita” – Ozuna, Bad Bunny, Wisin, Almighty, DJ Luian, Mambo Kingz
- “Dos Corazones” – J Mena
- “Quién empezó” – J Mena ft. Cazzu
The advertising contained in the music videos, with images that seduce young people and with strong intentions to influence the consumption of tobacco, its derivatives and associated products, with the referral to a specific link to acquire the product, located in the description of the video, undermines the fundamental right to health guaranteed by constitutional norms and international treaties with a constitutional hierarchy and violates the resolution of ANMAT 3226/11 and the law 26.687 on the regulation of advertising, promotion and consumption of tobacco products , in addition to violating the right of consumers regarding prevention information that is unclear or non-existent regarding the consequences and impact on health due to the use of eCig.
It is necessary to design new public policies aimed at strengthening compliance with current regulations and actions that meet the new challenges generated by advances in technology and constant innovations for the dissemination and promotion of this type of products and to raise awareness to the population about the risks of their consumption.
More information
Author
Ana Carla Barrera Vitali
Contact
Agustina Mozzoni agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org
On Wednesday, April 10, we carried out the conference “The right to face the health challenges in Latin America” at the Bar Association of the Province of Córdoba.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Viviana Perracini, Director of the School’s Right to Health Room. Dr. Claudia Zalazar, President of the Chamber of Right to Health of the Institute of Research in Legal Sciences of the Blas Pascal University, spoke on “The role of the courts in the realization and enjoyment of the right to health, experiences.”
Then, we have the participation of an international guest, Oscar Cabrera, Director of the Healthy Families Program of the O’Neill Institute at Georgetown University. His presentation revolved around the law as a fundamental tool to solve health problems
Finally, our Executive Director, Juan Carballo, developed the interrelation between the international and the local level in health regulation.
We appreciate the support given by the Bar Association, the O’Neill Institute and the Social Rights Research Group (GIDES) to carry out this event.
Mayca Balaguer, maycabalaguer@fundeps.org
In a survey conducted by FUNDEPS and ALIAR in the well-known music festival “Cosquín Rock”, actions were detected that violate the national and provincial regulations on the advertising of tobacco products.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.
In Argentina, the National Law N ° 26.687 prohibits the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products directly or indirectly and through any means of dissemination or communication; but it contemplates exceptions such as the interior of the points of sale and direct communications to persons over 18 years of age, when their prior consent has been obtained and their age has been verified. The province of Córdoba adhered to the national law through Law No. 10026.
Despite these restrictions, the industry continues to promote tobacco products, with strategies that target adolescents and young people. You can notice, for example, its presence in music shows and night parties, events where the young audience predominates.
In the Cosquín Rock, developed on 9 and 10 February, different tactics could be identified. On the one hand, a large number of promoters and promoters, young people with homogeneous clothing who carried a hanging tray with a fixed and bright advertising, and displayed cigarettes. This gave them a massive visibility throughout the property.
On the other hand, their consumption was encouraged through a special promotion: buying cigarette box packages allowed access to beer at a lower cost than the sale at the authorized premises. In addition, buying beer from those who sold cigarettes avoided the long wait to pay for it at other points of sale.
The brand that was advertised was Rothmans, belonging to the group BAT (British American Tobacco) and cigarettes were flavored, a mechanism that clearly tries to attract new consumers and consumers, seeking to associate tobacco with known flavors. The age of the people who attended was not controlled, so children were also exposed to these strategies.
This type of practice is prohibited according to the law n ° 26.687 and specifically according to the provisions of the regulatory decree n ° 602/13 that expressly contemplates the prohibition of advertising in spaces for public use and promotional discounts.
From FUNDEPS and as members of the Free Alliance of Smoke of Argentina (ALIAR) we denounce this situation before the Secretary of Government of Health of the Nation.
In this context, it is urgent to make progress in regulations that completely prohibit the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products, as recognized by prestigious public health institutions and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a public health agreement ratified by 181 countries of which Argentina is not a part.
The cigarette promotion at Cosquín Rock responds to a series of strategies aimed at young people. Allowing this type of advertising in musical events and night parties involves continuing to strengthen the idea of cigarettes as a product linked to fun, independence, rebellion, freedom … ignoring its addictive and deadly nature. Even today, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in Argentina.
More information
Advertising actions of the tobacco companies on websites and events | FIC Argentina
Author
Julieta Segura
Contact
Agustina Mozzoni, agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org
The province of Tierra del Fuego regulated the law nº 1203 of control of smoking, sanctioned on December 15, 2017. The regulations are called to be the highest national standard because, besides incorporating the complete prohibition of advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco, expressly contemplates the prohibition of product exhibition.
National Law No. 26,687 meant the end of campaigns, commercials, sporting events and fashion shows sponsored by cigarette brands; by restricting advertising, promotions and sponsorships only to advertisements at points of sale, publications of companies in the sector and direct communications, with prior consent and verification of the age of majority of the recipients.
However, the tobacco industry knows how to take advantage of the existing legal vacuum: it is responsible for complying with advertising requirements, but it allocates a large part of its resources to the exhibition of tobacco products, making this one of its main marketing strategies. In terms of visibility and brand promotion, the effect achieved is as powerful as that of advertising.
Several provinces of our country have also advanced with regulations that establish a broad ban on tobacco advertising, examples of which are Santa Fe, Neuquén, San Luis, Santa Cruz and La Pampa. However, Tierra del Fuego is the first case in which there is expressly a ban on the exhibition of tobacco products, which constitutes a significant and novel advance in terms of health protection, especially for children and young people.
Thus, article 4 defines what should be understood by exhibition, saying that it is: “any form of exhibition of products and by-products made with tobacco that allows its visibility”. Subsequently, in its article 17 the regulations refer specifically to the exhibition of tobacco products in points of sale stating that: “Commercial premises where products provided by this law are sold, may place signs inside (…) provided that they are not seen directly or indirectly from the outside, nor contain colors, logos, isotypes or any other design that allows to identify the commercial brands of the products or their production companies “. In turn, the provisions that establish the prohibition of exhibition in places of mass competition (Article 11), as well as the one that prohibits the direct or indirect exhibition of tobacco products “through any means of dissemination or communication, deserve special attention. , recommendation or commercial action in order to directly or indirectly promote the product or its use “(Art.16).
We believe it is essential to establish a ban on advertising and promotion of tobacco products, without exceptions. According to studies carried out by WHO, the elimination of any form of advertising, promotion and sponsorship, including the exhibition of tobacco products, is one of the most effective measures to prevent consumption.
In this same sense, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESC rights) has expressed itself, expressing to Argentina its great concern about the precarious regulation of advertising campaigns of tobacco companies. That is why, as he did in 2011, he reiterated to the State the need to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and adjust the internal regulations on advertising of tobacco products to the standards established therein; the increase in taxes to levels that have a deterrent effect on tobacco consumption and the adoption of information measures on the negative impact of tobacco on health, emphasizing the need to protect young people and children.
Author
Maga Merlo Vijarra
Contact
Agustina Mozzoni, agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org
From the Ministry of Health of the Nation developed an action plan that includes representatives of different sectors, in order to push the ratification of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) by the Argentine State, an international health treaty public with members from 180 countries and that Argentina has not yet ratified.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.
On April 24, a new meeting of the National Commission for the Coordination of Tobacco Control took place. The event was attended by representatives of about 40 organizations that include government agencies, NGOs, scientific societies, among others.
Among the conclusions of this first event, the following stand out:
- A national law is not enough, the ratification of the (FCTC) provides tools, measures and mechanisms of international cooperation that can not be replaced by national policies: the protection of small producers, the interference of industry and illegal trade, for example , can not be fully covered by national legislation. If we do not ratify the FCTC, Argentina is left out of the international assistance provided by the FCTC to its members and we are damaging with other countries in the region.
- The FCTC is not against small producers, on the contrary, articles 17 and 18 of the agreement focus on protecting small producers in the diversification of their crops. The ratification has a gradual implementation of its measures in order to protect small producers. In addition, the example of other countries that ratified is that there was no impact on the cultivation of tobacco.
- It was recalled that before the international community, ratification facilitates the entry of Argentina into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This claim does not come only from public health institutions.
For several years, several monitoring bodies of international human rights treaties have been recommending that the Argentine State ratify this treaty. Indeed, the Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Committee for the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) have emphasized that for the adequate protection of the right to health in general and in particular of populations such as women, children and girls, Argentina should ratify the FCTC.
Together with other civil society organizations, such as FIC Argentina, we present shadow reports to these human rights committees. As examples, the CESCR recommended “the State party to ratify and implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control”. For its part, CEDAW expressed concern about the “high tobacco consumption among girls compared to boys”. By virtue of this, It recommended to Argentina “ratify the Framework Agreement of the World Health Organization for Tobacco Control”.
As part of this action plan, a Declaration was sent from FUNDEPS, the creation of an executive committee and the holding of periodic meetings is foreseen. In this sense it is valid to clarify that Senator Silvina García Larraburu presented a bill before the Congress that seeks to ratify the Convention.
Contact
Agustina Mozzoni, <agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org>
During the VIII Summit of the Americas that took place in Lima, Peru, presidents of the region discussed corruption, the governance of our peoples and economic and social sustainability. For the first time at the Summit, health is on the agenda.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.
Corruption, obstacles to democratic governance, lack of transparency, and difficulties in implementing public social policies are all factors that negatively impact the health systems of the region and conspire against the development of the communities of the Americas. The four main noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases) are the main cause of disease, disability and preventable death in the world in general and in the region of the Americas in particular. They are responsible for 70% of deaths.
The costs of these diseases constitute a significant burden for health budgets and national economies. These diseases reduce economic productivity, overload health systems and promote individual and family poverty. It is not possible to build a sustainable and functional economy if disability and premature deaths due to NCDs remain so high and costly for governments.
That is why civil society organizations in the region, based in the Healthy Latin American Coalition (CLAS), asked presidents present at the Summit to implement concrete measures to protect the health of the population without the interference of the industry. These measures include fiscal policies that increase the price of unhealthy products (cigarettes, sugary drinks, among others) to discourage consumption; the implementation of front labeling in foods that provide clear and useful information to consumers, among others. In parallel, CLAS asks presidents to make an appointment with health and attend the UN High Level Meeting on NCD on September 27, 2018 in New York City.
About CLAS
It is an alliance of more than 250 non-governmental organizations in Latin America whose purpose is to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in this region. Its members include medical societies, patient organizations, health NGOs, consumer NGOs, religious and academic entities. Founded in March 2011, it is aimed at reducing inequality, promoting human rights, and promoting effective policies with an impact on the risk factors and determinants of NCD. Its objective is to strengthen the action of civil society to prevent and control NCDs in the region through political advocacy, education, awareness and research, at the national and regional levels, so that effective policies are implemented, in line with the objectives of the United Nations (UN) and PAHO-WHO. It is an initiative of the Inter-American Heart Foundation.
Contact
Agustina Mozzoni, agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org
Together with FIC Argentina, the O’Neill Institute and the Chair of Food Sovereignty of the Nutrition School of the UBA, we present a report in which we warn the situation of chronic diseases in Argentina focusing on the particular situation of children and adolescents ; At the same time, we suggest to the State the adoption of some measures to reduce the consumption of tobacco products and unhealthy foods.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.
When a country ratifies an international human rights treaty, it undertakes to comply with the obligations established in it. Many of these treaties establish mechanisms so that the rendering of accounts on the level of compliance with these obligations is open to the participation of civil society. In this case, Argentina’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child will be reviewed before the Committee on the Rights of the Child, which is the body of independent experts that supervises its application.
Measures such as, the limitation of advertising directed to boys and girls, the adoption of a simpler and more understandable nutrition labeling, the raising of taxes, the ratification by the Argentine State of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the establishment of school kiosks healthy
The information presented and the recommendations made are intended to ensure that between the next May 14 and June 1 the 78th session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child will be held, where the final evaluation will be made regarding the degree of compliance with the rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the Argentine state. The final observations that the Committee issues will be tools to require the Argentine State to comply with human rights standards.
Link to the full report: bit.ly/InformeENTs
Contacto:
Agustina Mozzoni – agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org
Juan Carballo – juanmcarballo@fundeps.org
A study in the capital of this province shows that in Córdoba, tobacco companies continue to advertise their products at points of sale through shelves and exhibitors.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”
CORDOBA. Smoking is an epidemic that represents a global problem with devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences. Today it is responsible for more than 6 million annual deaths worldwide and for health and environmental costs that exceed tax revenues from tobacco taxes. This epidemic takes more lives than tuberculosis, AIDS and malaria together, and represents the leading cause of preventable premature death globally. Every year, 600,000 people die from smoking due to exposure to second-hand smoke, of which 1 in 4 are boys and girls.
Since one is born is exposed to stimuli that position the act of smoking as synonymous with success, sensuality and security. From movies to cartoons, our unconscious is suggested by the idea that smoking is normal, sexy and pleasurable. Who does not remember Clint Eastwood in “The good, the bad and the ugly” as a stereotype of a hard and righteous man, smoking a cigar after killing the bad guys? Humphrey Bogart, Agent 007, James Dean, Sherlock Holmes or John Travolta are examples of being a smoker is part of the success. A study by the British Medical Journal claims that tobacco companies paid millions of dollars to Hollywood stars in exchange for promoting their brands in feature films.
Women also did not escape the association of smoking with female liberation, emancipation, rebellion and the idea that smoking complements a femme fatale perfectly. The situation is outrageous if we consider that there were also interests for cartoon characters to smoke: we saw smoking on the small screen at The Picapiedras, Tom and Jerry, Professor Jirafales, Popeye, Bugs Bunny, Speedy Gonzalez, Lucas Duck, Porky Pork, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Tribilín, Donald Duck and even the Argentine Pucho smoked his cigar with apparent pleasure.
In this context, it is not surprising that the onset age of people in tobacco consumption is at 12 or 13 years, after a whole childhood to which they were exposed to stimuli of this type.
The Argentine tobacco regulation law, enacted in 2011, seeks to protect citizens from the impact of smoking and reduce harm, especially in children and adolescents, who are more vulnerable to advertisements and promotions.
This law meant the end of campaigns, commercials, sporting events and fashion shows sponsored by cigarette brands; By restricting advertising, promotions and sponsorships: only ads are allowed in points of sale, in publications of companies in the sector or through direct communication, with consent and verification of the age of potential recipients.
Although this legislation meant an advance, in our country still 44 thousand people die every year due to diseases derived from smoking. One in four adults smokes. The health cost attributable to this cause is 33 thousand million pesos per year, much more than the tax collected for tobacco and 12% of the total budget allocated to public health in our country.
A survey that we carried out in Córdoba showed as the main result that the exhibition of cigarette packets is the main strategy of companies to promote their products. The regulatory decree establishes conditions regarding advertising, but says nothing about the exhibition. Thus, an advertisement should not be more than 30 x 30 cm, be static, have two dimensions, have no light or be seen from the outside of the point of sale and be accompanied by the corresponding health message. But nothing says expressly about the display of products through shelves.
The data collection instrument used as a reference a protocol developed by the California Tobacco Advertising Study. The industry promotes consumption with strategies that reach everyone. Taking advantage of the legal vacuum, they comply with the conditions on advertising, but dedicate resources to the exhibition. In terms of visibility and brand promotion, the effect is as strong as that of advertising.
In areas where there is a greater investment in promotional items are those that concentrate more students. The images and messages naturalize the consumption, favor the identification and memory of the marks, and increase the need to smoke even in people who try to leave it.
In this context, it is essential to establish a ban on advertising and promotion of tobacco products, without exceptions. According to studies conducted by WHO, the elimination of any form of advertising, promotion and sponsorship is one of the most effective measures to prevent consumption. Thus, it would follow the line of provinces like Santa Fe or Neuquén, or of countries like Colombia, Uruguay or Panama.
For this reason, we present a bill to the Health Commission of the Córdoba Legislature, which prohibits the advertising and promotion of tobacco products without exceptions, including all strategies for displaying products at points of sale.
This is a complex situation, which must be approached with comprehensive policies, from various angles and with the commitment of many actors in society, but without ignoring the fundamental role that the State can play in the prevention of these diseases.
Some data to highlight as a result of the survey
- 7 out of 10 kiosks in Córdoba use promotional strategies for tobacco products.
- Of the kiosks with promotional strategies, 9 out of 10 do so in a way that is visible from the outside of the point of sale.
- In all the kiosks surveyed there are shelves to organize the cigarette ties. 85% of them are visible from the outside of the point of sale.
- 76% of kiosks have industrialized shelves. In neighborhoods with greater student presence, there is a greater investment in promotional and advertising objects.
- In most kiosks, the products with the most prominent and attractive promotional strategies were tobacco products.
- Tobacco advertising is mainly located near the box, which is the area of highest visibility of the points of sale.
- No kiosk contained notice about the prohibition of the sale of cigarettes to children under 18 years.
More information
Authors
Federico Piccioni
Agustina Mozzoni
Contact
Juan Carballo, <juanmcarballo@fundeps.org>
The report focuses on health protection in the face of the tobacco epidemic and urges the UPR (Universal Periodic Review) Committee to recommend that the Argentine State adopt measures to achieve higher standards of protection.
“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”
ARGENTINA. This year, the second five-year evaluation carried out by the United Nations Human Rights Council will take place in our country. It provides States with the opportunity to state what measures they have taken to improve the human rights situation and to establish obligations in this regard.
One of the reports, presented by FUNDEPS, together with FIC Argentina, O ‘Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law and FEIM, analyzes the smoking in the world, the marketing of the industry and the legal situation in the country.
Tobacco advertising has a strong influence on smokers and non-smokers: a third of initial experimentation in young people occurs as a result of advertisements. 78% of 13- to 15-year-olds report regular exposure to cigarette commercials around the world.
The reality is that there is a lack of controls, non-compliance with laws and a refusal to ratify the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an instrument that places obligations on States to adopt Control and establishes a series of effective measures against the consequences of direct and indirect consumption. The treaty was ratified by more than 180 participants and Argentina is the only South American country that is not yet a member of this convention.
The state spends 33 billion pesos every year to treat health problems due to smoking. The tax collection from the sale of cigarettes barely covers two-thirds of the direct costs that the cigarette causes in the health system.
The partial restrictions of the ads encourage the manipulation of the same and generates a legal vacuum. Only through regulations that ensure a complete ban on all direct and indirect forms of advertising can lead our country to reach its goals in terms of cigarette consumption. Current laws lack many of the most significant components of the FCTC and hamper the efforts of health institutions to reduce tobacco use in the territory.
From Fundeps we urge that the Argentine State take this opportunity to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance with fundamental rights.
Source
Institute of Clinical and Health Effectiveness
Author
Federico Piccioni
Contact
Agustina Mozzoni <agustinamozzoni@fundeps.org>