Oxford Medical Publications: Tobacco Control in Developing Countries

More about the book

Smoking poses a significant threat to global health, yet the economics of tobacco control remains a contentious topic, particularly regarding the costs and impacts of various policies. This book addresses this analytical gap by presenting critical reviews of current knowledge on tobacco control, primarily focusing on low- and middle-income countries while maintaining global relevance. It explores the consequences of tobacco use, including welfare issues, poverty, and the rationale for government intervention. The evidence-based review covers demand-reduction strategies such as taxation, information dissemination, and regulation, alongside a critical examination of supply-side challenges, including trade, industry, and farming, with new insights into smuggling. Additionally, it assesses the economic implications of tobacco control programs, touching on employment, tax revenue, and welfare losses. The book also presents fresh evidence on the effectiveness of international actions and outlines future research directions. A statistical annex will guide readers to data on tobacco consumption, prices, trade, and employment. Targeted at academic economists, epidemiologists, and technical staff in government and international agencies, it serves as a comprehensive introduction for students of economics, epidemiology, and public policy.