No tobacco ads in festivals: Health Ministry
Sponsorship of events or dissemination of news and information related to tobacco is also banned under the law.
KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has urged organizers of fairs, festivals, and cultural events to refrain from advertising or promoting tobacco products.
Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki stated that the government has noticed the involvement of tobacco manufacturers in some events and strictly warned against any form of tobacco advertisement or sponsorship.
According to the Tobacco Control and Regulation Act, 2011, Section 10, advertising or promoting tobacco products through newspapers, radio, television, internet, email, billboards, wall writings, logos, or any other means is strictly prohibited.
Sponsorship of events or dissemination of news and information related to tobacco is also banned under the law.
Dr. Budhathoki emphasized that violations of this law will result in legal action. He highlighted the severe health risks of tobacco consumption and its negative economic, social, and cultural impacts. He urged event organizers to avoid sponsorship from tobacco companies.
The Tobacco Control and Regulation Act, 2011, along with its regulations and the 2024 directive on tobacco packaging, mandates 100% pictorial health warnings on the front and back of all tobacco product packaging.
The ministry has also requested stakeholders to comply with these laws to reduce tobacco consumption, prevent tobacco-related diseases and deaths, and improve public health.
Citizens can report violations by contacting the ministry’s ‘Hello Health Call Center’ at 1115 from 8 AM to 8 PM or via Viber and WhatsApp at 9851330592.
