Publication: Brazil : The Role of the Tobacco Control Program in Curbing Smoking
Date
2008-03
ISSN
Published
2008-03
Author(s)
Abstract
Available evidence indicates that there
was a significant decline in smoking in Brazil between 1989
and 2006. About two decades ago, the government launched a
tobacco control program, with a marked acceleration of
efforts since 1990, focusing on non-price interventions such
as bans on advertising, restrictions on smoking in public
places, and other activities. Although the Brazil tobacco
control program is considered one of the most comprehensive
in the developing world, no formal evaluation has been
carried out. A recent study assessed the smoking situation
in Brazil and the role of the tobacco control program, and
compared it to experience in other countries. The study
assessed key trends in smoking rates and lung cancer in
Brazil, and reviewed price and non-price interventions. A
discussion of fiscal instruments and smuggling is also
included in the report. The study found that a 10 percent
increase in smoking restrictions (legal and other
restrictions), will reduce consumption by 2.3 percent in the
long term, a 10 percent price increase will reduce
consumption by about 4.8 percent in the long-term. The study
shows that an increase of 72 percent in the cigarette
specific tax will increase prices by about 14 percent,
decrease consumption per adult 7 percent, and increase
fiscal income from tobacco by 60 percent. Econometric
studies, such as those included in this report, may
contribute to appraise policy impact on public health.
Analyzes of the costs of smoking to households the health
system, labor market, and the economy, as well as the impact
of price and tax increases on smoking habits, and on the
burden of disease, will provide useful contributions for
further development of public policy in this area.
Citation
“Iglesias, Roberto; Jha, Prabhat; Pinto, Márcia; Costa e Silva, Vera Luiza da; Godinho, Joana. 2008. Brazil : The Role of the Tobacco Control Program in Curbing Smoking. en breve; No. 119. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/d9489955-d3be-5bd4-b759-357317540c63 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”