23 Years of Tobacco Control in Brazil: the 1988 Brazilian Tobacco Control Program Today

Abstract

Introduction: The tobacco epidemic greatly sped up in Brazil in the decade of 1970; its confrontation, however, were limited of some medical organizations initiatives. A National Program Against Smoking was created in the structure of the Health Ministry in 1985 and, in 1988, its coordination felt necessity to plan its performance in a ampler horizon. Objective: To analyze the creation, implementation and results of the National Tobacco Control Program, designed in 1988 by the federal government, providing goals and targets for tobacco control actions in the country in five major strategic areas: (i) educational activities including health and education professionals, (ii) awareness raising activities with the general population and the groups at risk, (iii) legislative and economic goals (iv) medical and social action, and (v) research and information. Method: Qualitative; historical and documental research. Results: The plan allowed important advances in the government performance, successfully meeting goals and reducing tobacco smoking and consumption prevalence per capita in the country. Conclusion: The program established in 1988 anticipated the main strategies that are, today, recommended by the World Health Organization. By designing a strategic vision of the problem, creating a management model, and including a multidisciplinary and decentralized approach, the plan became an essential tool for the success of public health actions for tobacco control in Brazil.