Ukraine: new WHO report shows need for comprehensive approach to tobacco control

A new report shows that despite the progress achieved in Ukraine in the past 10 years, a more comprehensive approach is needed to tackle tobacco use and its associated health issues in the country.

Great achievements since 2010 but more still needs to be done

Ukraine has made considerable progress in adopting and implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). As a result of this commitment, the country has achieved a remarkable 20% reduction in smokers since 2010. However, the current level of tobacco use remains high, with 23% of adults still using tobacco.

Tobacco is a key contributor to the fact that noncommunicable diseases are estimated to account for 86% of deaths and 77% of the disease burden in the Region so full alignment with the WHO FCTC is crucial.

Currently, the law is not yet fully in line with the WHO FCTC. This is largely due to a lack of enforcement of the existing legislation and the growing popularity of shisha water pipes and novel tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco.

New report provides concrete calls for action

A new WHO Report titled “Tobacco control in Ukraine. Assessment of current status of tobacco control and opportunities for further development” looks into the current status of tobacco control in Ukraine and analyses opportunities for further action along with concrete policy recommendations such as:

• The current law should be amended to provide complete prohibition of point-of-sale advertising, product display and promotion of tobacco products in all retail premises, including duty-free shops.
• The seven-year tax escalator should be reviewed with the aim of increasing real tobacco prices faster than the economy in general.
• The government should actively seek evidence of tobacco industry influence and interference in Ukraine, and record and report it officially at national and international levels.