- Globally, a smoking-related death is recorded every four seconds.
- In Mexico, 9.7 percent of all deaths recorded each year are attributed to cigarette smoking.
- The economic burden for the Mexican health system due to diseases caused by smoking amounts to 187 thousand 499 million pesos.
Smoking remains one of the most serious health problems facing the world. Only in the case of Mexico is the cause of 135 deaths every day. That is why this habit is considered the first preventable cause of death. Against this background, new proposals were presented regarding the packaging of cigarette packs to achieve a decrease in the number of smokers.
New strategies to reduce tobacco consumption in Mexico
The general director of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Eduardo César Lazcano Ponce, said that the next step in the reforms to the General Law for Tobacco Control should be the prohibition of flavorings and the obligation of plain packaging. The objective is to reduce the risk that children and adolescents fall into this addiction.
The official stated that this action would allow the consolidation of a progressive and sustainable agenda that protects future generations in all dimensions.
In Mexico, about 26.6 billion cigarettes are consumed per year and the harmful effects are not only reflected in people’s health. In addition, the waste pollutes the soil and the water table. The costs for the contamination of the seas amount to two billion pesos and 45 million more for the management of garbage.
He added that the tobacco epidemic is responsible for more than 63,000 deaths annually and represents a significant economic and environmental burden. Given this situation, he reiterated the commitment and support of the INSP so that the LXV Legislature of the Senate of the Republic continues the development of innovative proposals based on scientific evidence.
Modify cigarette pack packaging
Similarly, INSP representatives proposed a neutral packaging of cigarette packs. This is expected to reduce consumption among the Mexican population.
Before the PAHO/WHO representative in Mexico, Miguel Malo Serrano, the director of the INSP stressed that, with these measures, Mexico joins with responsibility and commitment to the actions of the Americas region.
The president of the Health Commission of the Senate of the Republic, Lilia Margarita Valdez Martínez, highlighted the legislative work against smoking to protect health.
Based on statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), every four seconds a person dies from smoking. In Mexico, 9.7 percent of all deaths are attributed to cigarette smoking.
Smoking is the cause of different diseases, mainly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, considered the most serious and deadly neoplasm in the world.
The economic burden for the Health System due to diseases caused by smoking amounts to 187 thousand 499 million pesos.