The Committee on Public Health, Medical Assistance and Medical Insurance held the discussion on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Information Department of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Secretariat
29 March 2021, 16:38



The Committee on Public Health, Medical Assistance and Medical Insurance held the discussion on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
During this time, the special Law of Ukraine "On measures to prevent and reduce the use of tobacco products and their harmful effects on public health" was adopted, which defined the main principles and directions of state policy in this area, as well as made a number of changes to the laws, thanks to which Ukraine has strengthened legislation to protect the population from the deadly effects of tobacco by restricting advertising, sponsorship and promotion of tobacco sales, banning smoking in public places and introducing medical warnings on tobacco packaging, as well as regular increases in excise duties on tobacco products in accordance with the requirements of the Framework Convention.
International experts noted Ukraine's significant progress in implementing the Framework Convention. Among the successes were the ban on the sale of e-cigarettes, liquids for e-cigarettes and devices for the use of tobacco products to persons under 18 from January 1, 2021, and the increase in excise duties on tobacco products.
MP Maxym Perebyinis noted that excise revenues have tripled in eight years.
Director of the WHO/Europe Nino Berdzuli said that Ukraine can be proud of raising excise taxes on tobacco products, this is one of the best practices in the world. The increase from 2008 to 2018 led to a decrease in the number of smokers by 40%.
Currently, the Committee has prepared and submitted to the Parliament the draft law on amendments to certain laws of Ukraine on public health from the harmful effects of tobacco No. 4358-d, aimed at implementing these provisions of the Framework Convention and improving national legislation in the field of tobacco control.
MP Lada Bulakh noted that in Ukraine, more than 230 Ukrainians die every day from smoking-related diseases, and tobacco use is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, each of which can be prevented. "Ukraine has already taken a huge step forward to protect the population from tobacco harm, but more needs to be done and the focus needs to be on protecting children and young people from getting involved before they start smoking," she added.
In conclusion, the participants stressed that the success of the further implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is possible only if a true commitment to public health values of all Parties of the Convention and strict adherence to its provisions and guidelines.