Main Forms of Tobacco Used, Trends / current status and Anti-tobacco Use Legislation

Main Forms of Tobacco Used

•          Cigarettes

•          Biri

•          Hukka

•          Chew tobacco

Trends / current status

•          In 2003, the smoking prevalence among adults was 54.8% in males and 16.6% in females.

•          The prevalence was 1.6% in the age group 10-14, 2.8% among males and 0.1% among females.  

•          29% school going adolescent males practice smoking and 55% males start smoking during adolescence who do not go to school.

•          Average number of cigarettes smoked: The annual cigarette consumption per person: 245

•          Smoking is alarming, because tobacco is considered to be a "gateway drug", the use of which may lead to alcohol, marijuana and other drug abuse and high-risk behaviors in the long term.

Anti-tobacco Use Legislation

•          There is no comprehensive tobacco control policy or legislation. 

•          Health warnings are provided on cigarette packages. 

•          Advertising in electronic media and specific locations is to be done widely. 

•          Smoking is prohibited in public places and transports. 

•          There are no bans on sales to children.