Tobacco control in Turkey: story of commitment and leadership

ABSTRACT

Tobacco control activities in Turkey have been highly effective. The first anti-tobacco law was adopted in 1996 (Law No. 4207), ratification of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control followed in 2004, and in 2008 a second law banned tobacco-smoking in all public places, including hospitality venues (Law No. 5727). Together with the adoption of the WHO MPOWER package, these measures are making Turkey largely smoke-free. Political stability and the commitment of the government were important in the development of Law No. 5727. Nongovernmental organizations, under the umbrella of the National Coalition on Tobacco and Health, played a remarkable role by participating in the discussions in the parliamentary commissions and providing scientific evidence. After Law No. 4207 was enacted, these organizations organized meetings with representatives of the hospitality industry and the general public to encourage their compliance. Successful implementation of Law No. 4207 and its 2008 amendment has led to a decrease in tobacco sales, fewer complaints by people in general and workers in hospitality venues in particular, and an improvement in indoor air quality.