A comparison of tobacco control policy in two newly independent states: Lessons Latvia can learn from Poland

BACKGROUND & AIMS If current patterns of tobacco consumption persist, 1000 million people will die a tobacco-related death in this century. Forced by high smoking prevalence and high smoking related burden of disease, both Poland and Latvia have implemented tobacco control programs. Poland is hailed as a success in tobacco control while Latvia trails behind with a less successful strategy. We studied what Latvia can learn from Poland's success in tobacco control.

METHODS We performed a comparative analysis of Poland and Latvia regarding similarities and differences in tobacco control. We evaluated measures related to: (1) the reduction of demand for tobacco (price, exposure/opportunity, image, regulation, cessation), (2) the reduction of supply of tobacco (illicit trade, sale to minors), and (3) evaluation, monitoring and research.

RESULTS Tobacco control started earlier in Poland, and Poland has been more aggressive in efforts to increase tobacco prices through taxation. Additionally, Poland allocates some tobacco tax revenues into tobacco control efforts while Latvia does not. Poland has more stringent restrictions and bans on smoking in public and advertising than Latvia, in addition to higher per capita spending on public tobacco education. Poland has more, and a larger variety of, smoking cessation programs. Statistics concerning illicit trade and restrictions in sales to minors are comparable between Poland and Latvia.

CONCLUSIONS We recommend that Latvia should (1) increase prices through taxation, (2) earmark tobacco tax revenues for tobacco control, (3) further restrict tobacco promotion, and (4) continue to adopt successful strategies from other countries.