Tobacco sales among Panamas young continue to fall

 In the last decade tobacco consumption among young people In Panama fell from 13% in 1999 to 4% in 2008, says a study released by the Ministry of Health (MoH). 

The overall level is 9.4%, and in the poorest areas of the country, chiefly among the indigenous population, it rises to 13%, says Reina Roa, National Director of Service Provision .

The study believes the reduction in demand for cigarettes in Panama, could be explained by measures such as tightening of the rules against smoking, higher taxes and the cost of cigarettes, in addition to education and awareness programs conducted by the Ministry.
Economist Victor Hugo Herrera, in charge of the study, said that the tax measures quickly reduced tobacco consumption, but explained that we must be alert, because when incomes increase so does the possibility of using tobacco which is addictive.
Lucas Eduardo Mora, l Director of Health, said the studies are important for strengthening policies to promote health and fiscal measures to discourage tobacco consumption.
A British American Tobacco spokeswoman for the region, Jessy Chacon, said there is an incorrect association between the legal industry’s sales and consumption.
Chacon said that legal sales fell in recent months, but the smuggling of cigarettes grew significantly. In fact, he claimed, 50% of sales are smuggled cigarettes.
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