THE HEALTH Ministry believes that Jamaica is among the Latin America and Caribbean countries targeted by transnational tobacco companies in "the deception" reported by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in its publication Profit Over People.
Dr. Eva Lewis-Fuller, Health Ministry's Cooperation in Health/Policy Analyst stated in a written response to questions posed by the Gleaner that: "although we cannot call names there is no doubt that Jamaica is among the developing countries targeted. The local affiliates of the large multinational tobacco companies have intensified their advertising and promotion of cigarette smoking, for example on bill boards and in the print media."
She stated further that the industry's involvement in sponsorships, social gatherings, awards/gifts strategies, messages and portrayal of images in advertising campaigns carry a subliminal rather than overt influence on the youth.
"They are effective nonetheless in influencing the youth to take up the unhealthy habit of smoking. Young people must recognise that they are being used to perpetuate a market for an unhealthy product, the deadly effect of which is likely to become evident later in the prime of their lives," Dr. Lewis-Fuller said.
With regards to the specific finding of the report, Dr. Lewis-Fuller said that the Health Ministry does not know the names of specific hired scientists; is not aware of any smuggling networks operating in Jamaica and is not aware of the tobacco companies having access to key government officials in Jamaica in attempting to kill or weaken the Ministry's tobacco control efforts.
"Our eyes are wide open and we are quite vigilant and will certainly address any such behaviour," Dr. Eva Lewis-Fuller said.
The Ministry's policy on tobacco advertising is that there should be no advertising on the electronic media, that is, on the radio, television and in cinemas. The proposed amendments to current legislation and new legislation requested, seeks to have a total ban on all advertising of tobacco products,
she said.
