Turkey's tobacco control experiences shared with Moldovan delegation
WHO
A high-level delegation from the Republic of Moldova visited Turkey on 9–10 December 2013 to learn more about tobacco control policies and their effective implementation.
The visit was part of the Moldovan Government's efforts to revise national tobacco control legislation, and was intended to familiarize decision-makers with best practices in Turkey, in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The event was organized by the WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova in close collaboration with the WHO Country Office in Turkey.
The Moldovan delegation was led by Ms Liliana Palihovici, Deputy Chair of the Parliament and included the Deputy Minister of Health, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, and representatives of the Ministry of Health and of Public Health Service. The Moldovan delegation met officials from the Turkish ministries of finance and health, the Committee on Health, Family, Labor and Social Affairs of the Grand National Assembly and the Tobacco and Alcohol Market Authority. The delegation also visited the Public Health Institution and Tobacco Control Training, Research and Taxation Centre, the Hacettepe University and the National Quit Line Operating and Smoke-Free Online Monitoring Centre.
The main topics covered during the officials' visits were:
- tobacco taxation policy
- tobacco tax administration system technology, tools and equipment
- data gathering and intelligence system
- licensing systems
- smoke-free public spaces
- tobacco advertizing
- support services for smokers who decide to quit.
Bilateral collaboration
Opportunities for further collaboration were discussed, and the Tobacco and Alcohol Market Authority of Turkey and other institutions expressed their willingness to assist Moldovan authorities in tobacco control.
During bilateral meetings, Ms Palihovici mentioned the progress made by the Republic of Moldova in the last 2 years in developing and approving national programmes on tobacco and alcohol control, and in making legislative amendments to restrict the sale of tobacco and alcohol products.
Dr Necdet Ünüvar, President of Committee on Health, Family, Labor and Social Affairs of The Grand National Assembly of Turkey underlined that political commitment and engagement of the whole of society is crucial in tobacco control and in reducing smoking. According to Mr Isa Güven, Deputy Undersecretary of Ministry of Finance, the Turkish Government has increased tobacco taxes by up to 82% of cigarette retail prices. However, cigarette prices are very low in Turkey's neighbouring countries; and thus to avoid smuggling, neighbouring countries should also increase tobacco taxes and prices.
WHO support
The study visit was part of the biennial collaboration agreement (BCA) for 2012–2013 between the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova and the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Further, the event was part of the European Union funded technical assistance programme under WHO coordination. The objectives of the programme include strengthening stewardship of health sector investments, better performance monitoring, and ensuring greater use of evidence for policy decisions.
