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Scottish health organisations call for regulations on health harming products
The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance Scotland, a coalition of 24 health organisations, has released a comprehensive 10-year strategy to combat the high rates of chronic illness and mortality tied to lifestyle risk factors in Scotland. The report, "Creating a Healthier Scotland," identifies alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy food consumption as significant contributors to non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which account for approximately four in five deaths annually, totalling an estimated 52,000 deaths last year.
The Alliance criticises the Scottish Government’s diminished focus on health protection and proposes enhanced regulations on health-harming products, including stricter marketing restrictions, possible tax levies, and reduced availability. The report highlights Scotland’s history of public health leadership but warns that inaction is now widening health disparities. The Scottish Government responded positively, citing its commitment to improving health equity and longevity through initiatives that address socio-economic health determinants.
Source: The Daily Mail, 30 October 2024
See also: Creating a Healthier Scotland
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The UK must work to support international tobacco control
Despite the decline in smoking rates across high-income countries, tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death, with the burden now heaviest in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). British tobacco companies, backed by trade policy, have long played a role in spreading the tobacco epidemic globally, particularly within Commonwealth nations. Though the UK is a leader in implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and has met its own targets, its financial support for FCTC efforts in LMICs has recently been slashed.
The FCTC 2030 project, a successful initiative promoting tobacco control measures in developing countries, faces further cuts despite its cost-effectiveness and its role in supporting Sustainable Development Goals. Health advocates now call on the UK government to maintain its funding, particularly as upcoming global health events underscore the importance of multilateral support for disease prevention.
Source: The Lancet, 29 October 2024
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Experts asked how to tackle health inequalities
Spotlight asked experts across the health sector on how best Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, should tackle health inequalities. This article includes responses from Bola Owolabi – GP and Director of inequalities improvement programme, NHS England, Sir Michael Marmot and Jessica Allen – Director, and deputy director, Institute of Health Equity and University College London, Greg Fell – Director of public health, Sheffield Council, Thea Stein – Chief executive, Nuffield Trust, Matthew Taylor – Chief executive, NHS Confederation and Dr Jennifer Dixon – Chief executive, Health Foundation.
Between these responses, the article reflects a growing consensus among health experts of the potential for preventive care to alleviate pressure on the system. Preventive health measures could not only reduce treatment delays but also support healthier, longer lives across the UK. This approach, however, hinges on addressing stark health disparities that exist between wealthier areas and more deprived communities.
The tobacco and vapes Bill is heralded as holding the potential to reduce health inequalities more than any other single piece of legislation and the authors make it clear that the government should not be swayed by arguments against the Bill, and consider similar legislative changes to tackle other unhealthy products.
Source: The New Statesman, 30 October 2024
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Asda trials secure vending system for tobacco and nicotine products
Asda has initiated a trial of a vending system for tobacco and vape products at its Ashton-under-Lyne location, aiming to streamline sales and enhance security for age-restricted items. In the current trial phase, staff operate the StrongPoint Vensafe dispenser by selecting and dispensing products for customers, who then complete the purchase at the till. The system is designed to limit theft and reduce antisocial behaviour associated with tobacco sales, as workers are no longer directly handling high-risk items.
Future phases may enable self-service options, where customers select products at a screen, pay at a self-service kiosk, and retrieve items from the machine after age verification. The trial reflects broader European retail security measures, with StrongPoint’s technology already prevalent in markets like Norway and Sweden. Given the rising incidents of violence and theft in UK stores, Asda sees this approach as a potential solution to improve both safety and stock control.
Source: The Grocer, 24 October 2024
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