The government can initiate action through the executive branch. This is an arena where changes are made through executive order, by changes in rules or administrative practices, and use of veto powers by elected executives.
Some government agencies under the executive branch are specifically mandated to “set” public health policies with respect to tobacco control. This primarily lies within the jurisdiction of the ministry of public health and related or similar bodies. In addition, government agencies with a specific role in tobacco control such as regulatory agencies are also in a position to impose more active measures such as requiring transparency from the tobacco industry or removing any privilege granted to the tobacco industry. Other government agencies contribute to tobacco control in varying levels and can adopt measures accordingly.
The government must also act through its legislature to enact or amend laws in order to fully implement Article 5.3 in accordance with its Guidelines.
The table below provides an illustration of the different measures appropriate for agencies that normally have a direct, indirect, or other role in contributing to tobacco control.
Agency | Relationship/Example of measures |
Ministry of Health | DIRECT
|
Police Department | INDIRECT
|
Department of Interior and Local Governments | CENTRALIZED BODY
|
Department of Fisheries | REMOTE
|
Policies and Laws
Government action can take the form of adoption of policies. Inter-agency support is essential to ensure effective coordination and implementation.
Based on the Article 5.3 Recommendations, the government should adopt, among others, the following:
1. State Policies on:
(a) No partnership, contribution, or interaction with the tobacco industry
(b) No incentive to the tobacco industry
(c) No investment in the tobacco industry
2. Laws to regulate the tobacco industry:
(a) Mandatory disclosure of information by the tobacco industry
(b) Prohibition on publication of so-called CSR of the tobacco industry and other forms of advertising