Question NW622 to the Minister of Health

Reply:

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Guidelines for implementation of Article 5.3 recommends that Parties monitor the activities of the tobacco industry. The Convention Secretariat assisted countries with the establishment of tobacco industry observatories in some interested Parties. One of the Observatories is based in South Africa specifically to monitor tobacco industry interference. These observatories inform policy makers and governments on Tobacco industry activities. The South Africa based observatory is called Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM).

The Department works closely with ATIM- one of their functions is to interrogate research by the industry and they have been able to identify studies and scientist that are funded by the tobacco industry. The Department has access to ATIM findings which have demonstrated how industry has manipulated, suppressed or used data incorrectly to suit the needs of the tobacco industry.

The Department also is also influenced by research and analysis conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), who analyse studies conducted by the Tobacco industry, further citations from other reputable research organisations that are pro-tobacco control and pro-protection of public health are available for use.

The current and proposed laws on tobacco control warrant that the tobacco industry discloses the research conducted by a manufacturer or by a person conducting research paid for in whole or in part by a manufacturer.

END.