Tobacco hazard control:Evolution and cost-effectiveness evaluation in Taiwan

In 2002, Taiwan enacted a tobacco health tax, which produced US$ 20 million each year for tobacco control program. We assessed Taiwan Tobacco Control Programs based on WHO MPOWER strategies and estimated the cost effectiveness of smoking cessation services. The main finings are as following:

1. Monitor tobacco use: The male smoking rates decreased from 42.8% in 2004 to 38.9 % in 2007, whereas the female smoking rate increased from 4.5% to 5.1% at the same period.

2. Protect people from tobacco smoke: In 2007, Taiwan passed the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Amendment Act relating to the extension of smoke-free workplace. Between 2004 and 2007, the percentage of exposure to secondhand smoke decreased from 38.3% to 34.5% in the workplaces.

3. Offer help to quit: Taiwan implemented the Smoking Cessation Outpatient Services program in 2002. Between 2002 and 2007, 308,000 smokers received smoking cessation services. About 20% participants reported quit smoking at a 6-month follow-up. The average cost for cessation consultations and medication per quitter was between US$135 and US$300 across different financing policies.

4. Warn about the dangers of tobacco: Taiwan will implement pictorial health warnings on tobacco packages in January 2009.

5. Enforce bans on tobacco advertising: Taiwan will implement comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising and promotion in 2009.

6. Raise taxes on Tobacco: Cigarette prices in Taiwan are considerably lower than those in many other Asian countries. We are proposing raising tobacco tax.

In conclusion, Taiwan shows commitment to implement tobacco control programs and has made good progress.