Issues Latvia

Issues Latvia Tobacco harms the health, the treasury, and the spirit of Latvia. Every year, more than 4000 of its people are killed by tobacco-caused disease. Still, more than 2000 children (10-14 years old) and 536000 adults (15+ years old) continue to use tobacco each day. Complacency in the face of the tobacco epidemic insulates the tobacco industry in Latvia and ensures that tobacco's death toll will grow every year. Tobacco control advocates must reach out to other communities and resources to strengthen their efforts and create change. Adult Smoking (15+ Y.O.) Children Smoking (10-14 Y.O.) Deaths % using tobacco daily: 2015 % using tobacco daily: 2015 % caused by tobacco: 2016 Male Boys 48.9% 3.91% More men smoke in Latvia than on More boys smoke in Latvia than on average in very high-HDI countries. average in very high-HDI countries. Female Girls 24.3% 3.12% Male More women smoke in Latvia than on More girls smoke in Latvia than on average average in very high-HDI countries. in very high-HDI countries. 23.05% More men die in Latvia than on average in very high-HDI countries. Female 6.27% Even though fewer women die from tobacco in Latvia than on average in very high-HDI countries, tobacco still kills 18 women every week, necessitating action from policymakers. Societal Harms Smokeless Tobacco % using tobacco daily: 2013 The economic cost of smoking in Latvia amounts to 577 million euros. This includes direct costs related to n/a healthcare expenditures and indirect costs related to lost n/a productivity due to early mortality and morbidity. Industry Growing Production The combined revenues of the world's 6 largest tobacco n/a There were 0.01 billion cigarettes companies in 2016 was more than USD 346 Billion, 1158% produced in Latvia in 2016. larger than the Gross National Income of Latvia. The Cigarette imports exceeded industry is a powerful force that does not fear the actions cigarette exports in Latvia in 2016, of nation-states because of their extensive resources and which hurt the country's trade global market power. balance. ta6.org/country/latvia Solutions Latvia Current Policy in Latvia Offer Help Protect from Smoke National quit line and both NRT and cessation-services cost-covered is the best practice All public places completely smoke-free is Quitting Resources NRT and/or some cessation services (at least one of which is cost-covered) the best practice National Quitline No Smokefree Warn About the Dangers to Tobacco Users on Product Packaging A plain, standardized pack with a large health warning is the best practice HealthCare Facilities Educational Facilities Type of Warning Label Graphic Percent of Pack Covered 65% Plain Packaging No Universities Government Facilities Warn About the Dangers to the Whole Population in a Media Campaign Indoor Offices Restaurants Ran a National Anti-Tobacco Campaign in 2014 or 2016 Yes Appropriate Characteristics Part Of A Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program No Pre-Tested With The Target Audience No Target Audience Research Was Conducted Yes Pubs and Bars Public Transport Aired On Television And/Or Radio Yes Utilized Media Planning Yes Earned Media/Public Relations Were Used To Promote The Campaign Yes Process Evaluation Was Used To Assess Implementation Yes All Other Indoor Public Funds for Smokefree Outcome Evaluation Was Used To Assess Effectiveness Yes Places Enforcement Enforce Bans on Advertising Ban on all forms of direct and indirect advertising is the best practice Raise Taxes Number of Direct Number of Ad Ban Compliance WHO Benchmark Ad Bans Indirect Ad Bans Percent Minimum 6/7 2/10 High 70% possible bans possible bans of Retail Price is Excise Tax Latvia Direct bans Indirect bans • National TV and radio • Free distribution in mail or through other means 62.47% • International TV and radio • Appearance in TV and/or films: tobacco brands (product • Local magazines and placement) of Retail Price newspapers is Excise Tax • Billboard and outdoor advertising • Advertising at point of sale • Advertising on internet ta6.org/country/latvia .

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