The Challenges of Tobacco Fiscal Policy Implementation in Mexico From the Perspective of Key Actors

Author:

Théodore Florence L1ORCID,González-Ángeles Livia Roxana2,Reynales-Shigematsu Luz Myriam3ORCID,Saenz-de-Miera Belen4,Antonio-Ochoa Erick5,Llorente Blanca6

Affiliation:

1. Centro de Investigación de Nutrición y Salud (CINyS), Instituto Nacional de salud Pública , Cuernavaca , Mexico

2. Instituto de la Mujer para el Estado de Morelos , Cuernavaca , México

3. Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública , México

4. Departamento Académico de Economía, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur , Baja California , Mexico

5. Salud Justa , Benito Juárez, Ciudad de México , Mexico

6. Fundación Anáas , Bogotá , Colombia

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Raising tobacco taxes is considered the most effective strategy to avoid smoking initiation and discourage its use, especially among vulnerable groups. However, few low- and middle-income countries have adopted high tobacco taxes. Raising taxes is, therefore, an opportunity to strengthen and accelerate tobacco control. The objective of this study is to analyze the barriers and facilitators to the tobacco tax increase in Mexico. Aims and Methods Based on the Governance Analytical Framework, data were generated through 17 in-depth interviews with key intersectoral actors for fiscal policy. The interviews were transcribed and coded according to Hufty’s theory of governance. Results Robust scientific evidence, intersectoral coordination, and the presence of “champions” boosted progress in tobacco control (facilitators). The main barriers were the incomplete implementation of the World Health Organization—Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) and MPOWER package and lack of commitment (“political will”) by government decision makers and legislators, misinformation about the effects of tobacco taxes, and strong tobacco industry interference. Conclusions Robust evidence is necessary but not sufficient to advance the implementation of the MPOWER (WHO-FCTC) actions. To achieve tobacco tax increases and public policies that protect people from unhealthy products in general, the implementation of policies or legal frameworks against industry interference in the development of public policies is imperative. Implications By analyzing the barriers and facilitators to increasing the tobacco tax in Mexico, this study identifies two key messages: (1) The need to sensitize legislators and the general population to the problem of smoking not only through epidemiological data but also through testimonies that highlight the life experiences and adversities faced by people who smoke. (2) The need for a regulatory framework to prevent industry interference in public affairs and conflicts of interest. The same framework could be very useful for public health policies to control the consumption of ultra-processed food products or alcohol.

Funder

The Global Tobacco Economics Consortium

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Reference44 articles.

1. Culture and health;Napier;Lancet.,2014

Cited by 2 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3