Norway: ‘Tobacco-free’: A coalition for reducing use of tobacco

Abstract

A coalition called ‘Tobacco-free was established in August 1994, founded by the Norwegian Association against Tobacco, the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association, the Norwegian Cancer Society, the Norwegian Confederation of Sport, the Norwegian Medical Association, the Coordinating Board of Health Education and the Norwegian Health Association. The organizations represent both voluntary bodies such as the Norwegian Cancer Society, and professionals, such as the Norwegian Medical Association. These organizations had previously collaborated in preparing a five-year action plan for 1994–98 on the use of tobacco in Norway and the health effects of use of tobacco. The aim of the plan (Sanner et al., 1993) was the goal stated by the World Health Organization: that more than 80% of the population should be non-smokers by the year 2000. Concrete targets, target groups and time limits for different actions were suggested (see Stenmarck et al., this volume). The plan also involved protection of non-smokers against environmental tobacco smoke, reduced availability of tobacco, increased prices and help for smokers to quit smoking. The plan was adopted by the Norwegian Minister of Health.