Tobacco control as an accelerator for the Sustainable Development Goals in Myanmar

Overview

The Government of Myanmar is strongly committed to tobacco control and has achieved many successes including tobacco tax increases and implementation of large pictorial health warnings on cigarette packages (among the largest warnings in ASEAN and 7th in the world). Despite the progress, the tobacco epidemic continues in Myanmar with significant burdens for the country – in terms of lives, economic growth, and sustainable development. Stronger tobacco control, including effective law enforcement, require the engagement of stakeholders across government ministries and society.

To support these efforts, this paper highlights how a continued focus on strengthening tobacco control will help accelerate Myanmar’s commitments towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).