The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Tobacco costs Taiwan dearly: 20,000 lives and US$ 6 billion a year. The power of the medical doctor on motivating the smokers to quit has been underappreciated and remains the best kept secret in Taiwan.

Methods: To realize our potential, medical professionals have met and worked together many times during from Febuary through August, 2006, joined with economists, social workers, community residents and repnsentative of other parties, for establishing a commitment in embracing FCTC.

Results: The following strategies are made in our proclemation.

I.To pursue the legislative initiatives and make “Smoke-free” home a reality: Two thirds of babies and pregnant women are exposed to second hand smoking in tight-spaced homes. To protect their human rights, we propose to legislate so that no smoking at home will be allowed when small children and pregnant women are around.

II.Substantial increase in cigarette tax: This is to uphold the spirit of FCTC in reducing both the youth and adult rates of smoking. The fact that Taiwan has one of the lowest cigarette prices is unacceptable. We request that the government set a target price of US$450 to reach in the next five years, with a goal to cut smoking rates into half in ten years.

III.Capacity building on tobacco control by training the cessation specialists. More resources should be allocated to tobacco research and cessation assistance.

IV.Making cessation services free and freely accessible: Cessation services and medications should be made free or fully accessible and reimbursable by the National Health Insurance program.