US state governments misuse funds meant for curbing smoking; A US anti-tobacco negotiator quits
the silver lining on the cloud of smoke has proved futile in the us . Only an insignificant amount of the funds from a landmark settlement between the 50 us states and tobacco giants has been utilised for anti-smoking programmes, according to a new report. In 1998, all the us states had agreed to withdraw ongoing lawsuits against the tobacco industry. The industry was required to, in return, cough up us $246 billion over 25 years. The state attorneys general who negotiated the settlement expected the funds to be used for averting tobacco addiction, but the industry was not put under any obligation to do so.
Now, the report by the National Conference of State Legislatures (ncsl) reveals that only about five per cent of the us$21.2 billion paid so far has been used for prevention or cessation campaigns related to smoking. Most of the funds have been allocated for financing tax cuts, repairing roads and school buildings and aiding old people's homes. "The states' failure to act is inexcusable in the light of growing evidence that comprehensive tobacco prevention programmes are working to save lives in the few states that have implemented them," said Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a pressure group based in Washington.
Meanwhile, Thomas E Novotny, the us official working on a treaty to reduce cigarette smoking worldwide has resigned at a time when the debates of the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control are heating up. Novotny has led the us delegation during the convention talks aimed at reducing tobacco use. Sources say that Novotny was feeling distressed by the positions he was defending, therefore, he resigned. It is said that the us has softened its position on tobacco use after George W Bush came into power.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.