"2021, a year of achievements with the Index."

Erick Antonio Ochoa
Director, Salud Justa Mexico

Introduction

Mexico is a democratic federal republic with 128 million inhabitants. In the Latin American region, it is the second most populous country, only after Brazil. Mexico has participated in the tobacco industry interference index survey annually since 2019. In 2021, Mexico's rating worsened, mainly because the level of industry participation in policy development increased, with clear examples of direct interference from representatives or allies of the tobacco industry in the Chamber of Deputies during the parliamentary process of approval of the reform to the General Law for Tobacco Control. The presidency of the Economy Commission and the Ministry of Economy collected arguments from the industry which were used to obstruct the progress of the reforms. In addition, more reform initiatives favored the interests of the industry, with lax regulations toward electronic nicotine delivery systems and heated tobacco products.

Launch of the Index

The 2021 Index was launched in a press conference on November 3, with presentations from Erick Antonio Ochoa, Director of Salud Justa Mx, Juan Núñez Guadarrama, Coordinator of México SaludHable, Adriana Rocha Camarena, Director of Projects of Polithink and Eduardo del Castillo, Director of Communication Dialogue and Awareness. This event was broadcast via zoom through the FB of Salud Justa Mx and Mexico SaludHable.[i]^,[ii]^,[iii] The index was sent to Salud Justa’s media database and Allied Organizations. It was also shared on social networks and on the organization's page.

The media gave good coverage to the Index on 3-4 November 2021:

Factor RH Magazine	They warn of greater intervention of tobacco companies
The Herald of Mexico	Tabacaleras increase their activity in decision-making in Mexico, warns specialist
Expression Mexico	Tobacco industry has managed to stop tobacco control policies in Mexico
Publimetro	Irresponsible! Tobacco companies and officials organized massive forums in the middle of the pandemic
Forbes.com	Mexico sees increased tobacco industry policy interference
El Vespertino Newspaper	Tabacaleras aurnentan their activity in decision making in Mexico, warns specialist
Today's World	The tobacco industry has managed to stop tobacco control policies in Mexico
La Jornada	In Mexico, the level of legislative interference from the tobacco industry doubled
Health	Despite the fact that the meeting of officials with tobacco companies is prohibited, public forums have been organized in Mexico with the participation of such companies.
Msn.Com	Mexico sees increased tobacco industry policy interference

Advocacy with the Index

Senator Ernesto Pérez Astorga and Senator Margarita Valdez joined Salud Justa Mx and Polithink in presenting the Index in the Senate Chamber of the Parliament.

Result of the Promotion with the Index

Undoubtedly, the index contributed to the approval of the General Law for Tobacco Control in December 2021. This law will result in smoke-free public places, measure emissions, and a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, in compliance with the WHO FCTC. This is a historic milestone for Mexico that broke a thirteen-year legislative inaction.

About Salud Justa Mexico: Salud Justa was established in 2019. Its objective is to promote the right to health and influence public policies in the country.

[i] Salud Justa MX. Interferencia de Tabacaleras en Mexico: Reporte de Indice Regional. Available from: https://bit.ly/3zIHh4s
[ii] Salud Justa MX. Interferencia de Tabacaleras en Mexico: Reporte de Indice Regional (Recorded Webinar).
[iii] Salud Justa MX. Interferencia de Tabacaleras en Mexico: Reporte de Indice Regional. 3 November 2021. Available from: https://bit.ly/3mVYIHh