Millions of Russians could be urged to kick their favourite habit if a global anti-smoking treaty is ratified by the country’s lawmakers. The treaty boosts health warnings on packets and calls an end to advertising. Half a million Russians die every year from smoke-related diseases. Having played an active role in the framing of the Global Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Russia is still not a member.
In Russia, 60% of men and 30% of women smoke cigarettes.
According to State Duma Chairman Boris Gryzlov, “Russia is the third most prolific producer in the world of tobacco products - some 414 billion cigarettes annually. But unlike the U.S. who are the world leaders and who export most of what they produce, Russian tobacco is consumed within the country”.
The World Health Organization Global Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was adopted in 2003 and came into effect two years later. More than 150 countries already ratified it.
The document outlines tough measures aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. “For example, within three years 30 per cent of the surface area of cigarettes packet would have to carry warnings over harmful smoking is. In five years we would have to bring tobacco advertising to heel. There's a whole lot of work to be done in this respect,” explains Ivan Dubov from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Development.
Although certain measures have already been adopted by law makers, Russia still seems to be lagging behind Europe in its anti-smoking policies. Public smoking has been banned in Ireland since 2004, in the UK since July last year and in Germany, employers can refuse to hire smoker.
But with a strong tobacco lobby and an average price for a pack of cigarettes at just around one dollar - one tenth of the price in the UK - the task of getting Russians to cut back their habit is a long one.
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