Graphic warnings head for Myanmar

Graphic warnings will have to be included on tobacco products sold in Myanmar from September 1, according to a story in The Myanmar Times.

The move was announced during a ceremony at the Ministry of Health on February 29.

“Consumption of cigarettes and other forms of tobacco is high in Myanmar, and is considered a public health problem,” said Union Minister for Health Dr. Than Aung.

“According to studies carried out in 2014, the overall percentage of smokers was 26.1 percent, including 43.8 percent of men and 8.4 percent of women. Of those, nearly 80 percent are daily smokers.”

The incidence of tobacco or betel chewing is said to be about 43.2 percent; including 62.2 percent of men and 24.1 percent of women.

Dr. Than Tun Sein, a former director of the Department of Medical Research, welcomed the government’s announcement but said health authorities needed to do far more to raise awareness about the dangers of all tobacco products.

“Many people can buy black market Chinese cigarettes easily and cheaply,” he said.

“We can see the Ministry of Health is trying to reduce consumption of tobacco products but they still need to take further steps.”