HFM January-June 2012: From Despair to Hope

Theme – Tobacco and Substance Abuse

The January-June 2012 edition of Health for the Millions is a special issue focusing on the urgent issue of tobacco control in India. Titled “From Despair to Hope: Breaking New Ground in Tobacco Control,” this issue emphasizes the need for robust strategies to combat the growing tobacco epidemic, which remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the country. The journal highlights significant progress made through a combination of government initiatives, civil society efforts, and community involvement, all aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and creating smoke-free environments across India.

Highlights:

• This issue explores the success of various tobacco control policies, including the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), which aims to curb tobacco use through enforcement, advocacy, and public health interventions.
•  Featured examples include Budgam, the first smoke-free district in Jammu & Kashmir, and other regional success stories that showcase effective community-driven tobacco control efforts.
• The journal details advocacy campaigns, policy reviews, and the role of taxation in reducing tobacco use, particularly through the increased taxation of tobacco products in multiple states.
• The edition examines the role of civil society, law enforcement, and the judiciary in advancing tobacco control by addressing gaps in existing laws and promoting better implementation of smoke-free rules and health warnings.

This special issue serves as a comprehensive resource for public health advocates, policymakers, and organizations dedicated to making India tobacco-free​.