WHO’ MPOWER Framework

Why in News? Unlike in other countries where higher prices have deterred smoking, prices remain low in India; tobacco affordability undermines the World Health Organization’s MPOWER framework and weakens control, hindering efforts to reduce tobacco-related cancers; implementing robust policies are the need of the hour to curb tobacco use.

Relevance : UPSC Pre &  Mains

Prelims : MPOWER framework

Mains :   GS 2/ health/ Social Justice

What is MPOWER framework?

• The MPOWER framework, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a set of six evidence-based tobacco control measures designed to reduce tobacco use and its associated health risks, including tobacco-related cancers.
• It aims to support countries in implementing effective policies to curb tobacco consumption. The framework is particularly relevant in contexts like India, where low tobacco prices and high affordability undermine these efforts.

MPOWER Framework Components:

Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies:

1. • Involves collecting data on tobacco use, prevalence, and policy effectiveness to inform interventions.
   • Example: Surveys to track smoking rates and youth tobacco use.

Protect people from tobacco smoke:

1. • Promotes smoke-free environments through laws banning smoking in public places, workplaces, and public transport.
   • Example: India’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 includes provisions for smoke-free zones, but enforcement varies.

 Offer help to quit tobacco use:

1. • Encourages access to cessation services, such as counseling, quitlines, and affordable pharmacotherapies.
   • Example: India has national quitlines and some cessation programs, but access remains limited, especially in rural areas.

 Warn about the dangers of tobacco:

1. • Requires effective health warnings on tobacco packaging and mass media campaigns to educate the public.
   • Example: India mandates large pictorial warnings on tobacco products (85% of pack surface), but awareness campaigns need strengthening.

Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS):

1. • Aims to restrict tobacco marketing to reduce its appeal, especially among youth.
   • Example: India’s COTPA bans most forms of tobacco advertising, but surrogate ads and point-of-sale promotions persist.

Raise taxes on tobacco:

1. • Increases prices to reduce affordability, discouraging consumption, especially among price-sensitive populations like youth.
   • Example: India’s tobacco taxes (via GST and cess) are relatively low compared to global standards, making products affordable and undermining this measure.