Addressing the evidence gap to stimulate tobacco control in Latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract

A key part of Canada’s foreign policy efforts, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) supports research in developing countries to promote growth and development. Tobacco use remains one of the highest contributors to the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. One of the most effective tools to address this problem, tobacco taxation, contributes both to the economic empowerment of governments and promotes downward pressure on the consumption of tobacco products. This is why IDRC has given priority to generating local evidence for fiscal policies on tobacco control in the region, especially in the past five years, to strengthen the leadership of researchers and policy makers in ministries of finance. Research results presented in this issue help to address the evidence gaps and industry opposition that have posed a barrier to tobacco policy adoption in the Region...