Details for Tobacco and inequities - Guidance for addressing inequities in tobacco-related harm

Written by: Belinda Loring

This policy guidance aims to support European policy-makers to improve the design and implementation of policies to reduce inequities in tobacco-related harm. Smoking kills more Europeans than any other avoidable factor. Socioeconomic inequities in tobacco consumption in Europe are extensive, and are widening. The overall reduction in smoking in Europe has been a public health success, but the effects have mainly been seen in middle- and high-income groups, causing a substantial widening of inequities. Reducing health inequities is a key strategic objective of Health 2020 – the European policy framework for health and well-being endorsed by the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region in 2012. This guide seeks to assist European policy-makers in contributing to achieving the objectives of Health 2020 in a practical way. It draws on key evidence, including from the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s Review of social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region. It sets out options and practical methods to reduce the level and unequal distribution of tobacco use in Europe, through approaches that address the social determinants of tobacco use and the related health, social and economic consequences.