Australia: the country that became a synonym of Public Health

Even facing lawsuits filed by the tobacco industry in international courts, Australia decided to definitely enter the
forefront of public health and must become, in late 2012, the first country to remove the logos on cigarette packets.

As already discussed in a recent article by PULMAOSA, entitled “The Bat Signal from Australia,” the country will adopt a standardized packaging for cigarette packets, thus eliminating the colors and attractants for young people and children.

This is the role of one who cares for the health of its people, says the physician editor of  PULMAOSA, Dr. Marcos Nascimento. “However, for the success of this measure, worthy of applause, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the 170 countries that have ratified the Framework Convention on tobacco control (FCTC), as Brazil and Uruguay should support Australia, and not be passively watching, and waiting for the results of trials of lawsuits filed by the tobacco industry against Australia. Undoubtedly, given the magnitude and extent of the Australian example, the WHO should advise the other countries to follow the example of Australia,” adds Dr.Nascimento.

Sources:

PULMAOSA NEWS

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, WHO – World Health Organization Treaty