Tobacco control in Belgium in 2013
Bartsch, P.; Delvaux, M.; Englebert, E.; Rasson, C.; Dumont, J.
Revue Medicale de Liege 68(5-6): 252-255
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-629X PMID: 23888573 Document Number: 671221
WHO, for the first time in its history, asked in 2003, all Member States to sign and enforce a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Ten years later, it seems important to describe the achievements made in Belgium. The main legislative measures that are taken to control the major avoidable risk factor for health, are recalled. The present status of Belgium activity in this field is described, with an emphasis on the role of health professionals to help smokers quit. The difficult challenge of curing chronic tobacco dependence disease is underlined. Regarding the fight to render tobacco products less attractive, some breakthroughs are occurring in specific countries, and some are maybe coming soon in Europe.