Introduction

For over two decades, especially since 2005, when Mexico ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), the country has made significant strides in combating the tobacco epidemic and implementing the MPOWER control policies. At the same time, Mexico is taking proactive steps to develop high-quality scientific evidence in tobacco control at the highest possible level compared to other Latin American and low and middle-income countries (1,2). A key challenge arises when adopting/enforcing new tobacco control policies (i.e., Increasing tobacco taxes or implementing plain packaging): how can policy change (health and economic benefits) be translated from the scientific evidence generated? As seen below, a series of capacity-building strategies have been designed to address this.

By prioritizing the monitoring indicators and control policies set forth by the WHO- FCTC, the Public Health Intelligence Unit (UISP) and the Tobacco Control Research Department of INSP will utilize available national databases, such as INEGI population data and national health survey data to generate evidence-based actions to support the Mexican government (Executive: Ministry of Health -MoH-, Finance, Trade, Education and Foreign Affairs, Legislative and Judicial branches among others), Multilateral institutions (PAHO/WHO, WB, UNDP, UNODC)  and Bloomberg Initiative (BI) allies and grantees (CTFK, SaludJusta, Polithink, JHSPH),  in their advocacy efforts.  Thus, this project aims to analyze Mexico’s tobacco tax, packaging, and labeling policies from 2000 to 2023. We will provide relevant evidence for stakeholders and policymakers by using key indicators. This evidence will support decision-making on current tobacco pricing and taxation and improve the labeling of tobacco products. 

As part of the expected outcomes, we will create indicators, data figures, tables, and visualizations to develop advocacy documents, one-pagers, fact sheets, and policy briefs, compiling critical arguments (key messages) for stakeholders and policymakers to enforce the current tobacco control policies in Mexico. As we look ahead to the strategies that the new federal administration initiated in 2024, this proposal emphasizes two critical measures for effective tobacco control: increasing prices and taxes on tobacco products and enhancing labeling and plain packaging. By focusing on these strategies, we can drive meaningful progress in the short term, reducing tobacco consumption significantly and aligning the country’s efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (3).

Objective
This study aims to analyze tobacco tax, packaging, and labeling policies in Mexico from 2000 to 2023. Using key indicators, we will provide relevant evidence for stakeholders and policymakers. This evidence will support decision-making on current tobacco pricing and taxation and improve the labeling of tobacco products.

Specific goals

1. To gather scientific data for two MPOWER policies in Mexico: on price and tax measures and packaging and labeling tobacco products through performance indicators nested in the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).
2. To develop data figures, table visualizations, fact sheets, policy briefs, and a dashboard to compile relevant evidence and inform stakeholders and policymakers of the critical facts and arguments of interest for increasing tobacco prices and taxes and improving tobacco product labeling and packaging.
3. To perform a set of sessions with the MoH, BI partners, and strategic stakeholders, including policymakers, to gather their insights and prepare related advocacy materials. 
4. To support technical activities related to the Mexico Investment Case – United Nations Development Program (UNDP).