Brazil plays leading role against smoking in Americas

Brazil is among the world’s most advanced countries in the fight against deaths and diseases caused by tobacco. It ranks first in the Americas in efforts such as reducing industry interference, regulating the content of tobacco products, and coordinating the surveillance of tobacco products, as per Progress Hub, which monitors the implementation of the proposals of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Adopted in 2003, the convention is one of the most widely accepted treaties in the history of the United Nations. It outlines measures to combat the smoking epidemic and lower the number of deaths and illnesses caused by tobacco. Strategies include pricing and taxes to reduce demand; smoke-free policies to provide protection against exposure to smoke; bans on tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion; and restrictions on illicit trade and on sales to young people.

In addition to its regional position, Brazil ranks 18th on the list of 180 nations in terms of overall implementation of the treaty, showing great strides in the fight against the tobacco epidemic.

Based on Progress Hub data, 12.6 percent of Brazil’s adult population smokes—seven percentage points less than the global average. Smoking is more prevalent among Brazilian men (15.9%) than Brazilian women (9.6%). At 5.4 percent, the prevalence of smoking among adolescents aged 13–17 in Brazil is five percentage points lower than the global average, with a slightly higher prevalence among female adolescents (5.6%) than among male adolescents (5.3%).

Electronic cigarettes

Senior Coordinator of the Institute for Global Tobacco Control (IGTC) Graziele Grilo argued that Brazil has made great progress in tobacco control, but a vigilant attitude toward public health is still required, as the industry is constantly innovating. This is particularly the case with electronic smoking devices, such as e‑cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

“The sale, advertising, distribution, manufacture, and import of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are banned in Brazil. However, a growing body of evidence shows that the advertising or marketing of these products persists even on social media, which can contribute to their popularization, appeal, and the initiation of use among young people,” Grilo declared.

According to the institute, Brazil can reaffirm its prominence in the fight against tobacco-related deaths and diseases with additional actions that lead to continued progress, such as monitoring advertising and e‑commerce, regular inspections at points of sale of tobacco products, and establishing partnerships with border control agencies to stop the smuggling of electronic smoking devices. “By redoubling its commitment as a leader in the region and the world, Brazil can also achieve a global victory in ending the tobacco epidemic.”