.In 2008, WHO introduced the MPOWER package to assist in the country-level implementation of six effective measures to reduce demand for tobacco products.  Each measure reflects at least one provision of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.  The letter W in MPOWER denotes the "Warn about the dangers of tobacco" measure. Despite conclusive evidence regarding the dangers of tobacco, relatively few tobacco users worldwide understand the full extent of the risk to their health. Prominent warning labels on tobacco product packaging provide the most direct health messages to all smokers, as well as to non-smokers who see the packs. Warning labels encourage smokers to quit and discourage nonsmokers from starting, are well accepted by the public, and can be implemented at virtually no cost to governments. This indicator measures the implementation status of the W measure regarding legislation mandating health warnings on tobacco product packaging.

Country's legislation is assessed to determine whether health warnings with specific criteria are mandated. The groupings for this indicator are: 1 = Data not reported 2 = No warning or warning covering <30% of pack surface 3 = ≥30%* but no pictures or pictograms and/or other appropriate characteristics** 4 = 31%–49%* including pictures or pictograms and other appropriate characteristics** 5 = ≥50%* including pictures or pictograms and appropriate characteristics** * average of the front and back of the cigarette pack. ** • Specific health warnings mandated;     • appearing on individual packages as well as on any outside packaging and labelling used in retail sale;     • describing specific harmful effects of tobacco use on health;     • are large, clear, visible and legible (e.g. specific colours and font style and sizes are mandated);     • rotate;     • written in (all) principal language(s) of the country

WHO assessment of country's legislative documents  

N/A

Bi annual