Cigarros: abordagem hardcore

Warning labels on cigarette packages in Canada, which feature disturbing images that include a diseased tongue and a child wearing an oxygen mask, are among the toughest in the world, but more needs to be done, such as plain packaging, to reduce smoking rates, according to a new report. The Canadian Cancer Society published an international report Wednesday that comprehensively ranks cigarette warning labels in 198 countries and jurisdictions around the world. Rankings were based on the size of warnings on cigarette packages and whether countries have introduced picture warnings on packages. Canada moved up to fourth in the world rankings in 2012, a major boost from 15th place in 2010. Although it’s an improvement, Canada still hasn’t reclaimed its top spot. Canada was the first country in the world to introduce graphic warning labels on cigarette packages. But in 2010, the federal government announced it was shelving the introduction of larger warning labels with new graphic images. The CBC later reported the plan was halted after the tobacco industry lobbied the federal government. Soon after that report aired, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said the update would go ahead. The new warnings, which cover 75 per cent of cigarette packages, were rolled out earlier this year.

The leader of the pack in this year’s survey is Australia, the first country to pass legislation requiring plain packaging on cigarettes in addition to graphic health warnings. In August, Australia’s highest court dismissed a challenge from the tobacco industry, and the new packaging will be rolled out next month.

DrinkWise

Australia's major alcohol brands on Tuesday launched voluntary health warnings on their labels targeting children, pregnant women and excessive boozing in a country famed for its binge-drinking culture. DrinkWise, an industry body representing 80 percent of Australia's big alcohol names by volume, said new labels would be phased in on beer, wine and spirits carrying warnings on underage drinking and tippling during pregnancy. The new labels are not mandated by the government and are being seen as a pre-emptive strike in the wake of a government crackdown on tobacco.

4ª Conferência Mundial sobre a SIDA/ HIV

Está a decorrer em Sydney, Australia, entre dia 22 e dia 25 de Julho de 2007, a 4ª Conferencia mundial, promovida pela International Aids Society.

Deixamos alguns temas do Programa, que serão abordados na Conferência:

• Tibotec: New Breakthroughs for Treating HIV: Enhanced Opportunities for Tailoring Treatment to meet Patient Needs.
• New Data and International Antiretroviral Treatment Guidelines: Interactive, State-of-the-Art Session.
• Neurological Complications of HIV Infection.
• Female-Initiated HIV Prevention Technology.
• Paediatric HIV Infection – What’s New?
• Treatment of Early HIV Disease.