Effective economic interventions make a real difference to tobacco prevalence and consumption, and associated health outcomes. Most of the documented successes have occurred in developed countries where effective approaches have been implemented for several years. In more recent years, several developing countries have introduced similar measures. Early indications are that they too will be effective. Prices and Taxes Evidence from countries of all income levels shows that price increases on cigarettes are highly effective in reducing demand.
Higher taxes induce some smokers to quit and prevent others individuals from starting.
They also reduce the number of ex-users who return to tobacco and reduce consumption among continuing users. Children and adolescents are more responsive to price rises than older adults, so this intervention would have a significant impact on them. The World Bank concludes that comprehensive bans on advertising and promotion can reduce the demand for tobacco. There is evidence that many smokers are not fully aware of the high risks of disease and premature death that their choice entails. Smoking is usually started in adolescence or early adulthood.