Experts want action plans to curb tobacco use

Recognising the adverse impact of tobacco on health, experts from across the world Tuesday recommended adoption of national action plans to curb its use.

Sustained government commitment, continuous goal-setting and amendments to legislation based on periodic nationwide data on magnitude and patterns of smoking and smokeless tobacco use were suggested, according to a release.

They also favoured a steep hike in tobacco taxes.

The recommendations were made at the "International Conference on Public Health Priorities in the 21st Century: The Endgame for Tobacco," here last week.

A declaration issued after the conference said there should be mandatory training in health promotion and tobacco control in graduate and post-graduate level courses, especially for health professionals, social workers and teachers.