New anti-tobacco policy proposed in Belarus

New policy developed by the Ministry of Health of Belarus envisages several important measures to reduce tobacco use in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Encompassed in a draft law titled "Protecting people’s health from tobacco", the policy proposes a comprehensive smoke ban in all public places, prohibition of advertising and promotion of tobacco products, increased taxes and introduction of pictograms on tobacco packaging.

The draft law was the topic of discussion at a roundtable meeting organized by WHO on 8 October 2013 in Minsk, Belarus. The meeting was attended by representatives of the ministries of health, taxes and foreign affairs, members of the National Parliament and WHO, and received wide media attention.  

Right time to act

In opening remarks, Dr Egor Zaitsev, Head of the WHO Country Office in Belarus, said scaling up anti-tobacco policy is vital for the population of Belarus, noting that the country loses 15 000-20 000 citizens, or the equivalent of a small city, every year due to tobacco-related problems.

Dr Liudmila Naroichik, Deputy Head of the National Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, added: "The issue is of serious concern and we feel that the policy of tobacco companies influences the process substantially. We need this law and we have the support of the population."

Belarus is a Party to the FCTC. Ms Kristina Mauer-Stender, WHO/Europe, said “Now is the time to start implementing the Convention, thereby showing that Belarus is taking account of FCTC commitments.”