Passing of Tabaré Vázquez, former Uruguay president who was a giant in the global fight against tobacco
Statement of Matthew L. Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 6th, 2020 – The Campaign for Tobacco-Free
Kids is deeply saddened by the death of Dr. Tabaré Vázquez, the former
president of Uruguay who set an example for Latin America and the world
by courageously standing up to the tobacco industry
and taking bold and unprecedented action to reduce the horrific toll of
tobacco use. Motivated by his own experience as an oncologist,
President Vázquez provided unmatched leadership, vision and commitment
in fighting tobacco use, and his efforts have been
a catalyst for life-saving change not only in Uruguay, but throughout
Latin America and the world. Few leaders have done more to advance the
fight against tobacco use, which kills more than 8 million people
worldwide each year.
Under
President Vázquez, Uruguay became a global leader in reducing tobacco
use and a role model for its implementation of the World Health
Organization’s Framework Convention on
Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Uruguay became the first smoke-free nation
in the Americas, implemented graphic health warnings covering 80 percent
of the tobacco pack, banned tobacco advertising, significantly
increased tobacco taxes, prohibited misleading terms
like 'light' and 'low-tar,' and limited tobacco brands to single
presentations in order to prevent deceptive branding. He also initiated
efforts that led to Uruguay becoming the first country in Latin America
to require plain packaging for tobacco products.
These actions led to large declines in tobacco use among both youth and
adults in Uruguay and inspired countries throughout Latin American to
follow Uruguay’s example.
In
a truly David vs. Goliath battle, President Vázquez and Uruguay bravely
and successfully fought back against Philip Morris International’s
attack on Uruguay’s laws as a violation
of international trade and investment agreements. In 2016, President
Vázquez and Uruguay achieved a historic victory for global public health
when Uruguay’s laws were upheld. Uruguay’s victory was of global
significance because it affirmed the right of all
countries to protect the health of their citizens by adopting effective
measures to reduce tobacco use. It showed that, with strong leadership,
countries can stand up to the tobacco industry’s bullying and take
action to save lives.