The International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project

ITC Mauritius National Report May 2010

Promoting Evidence-Based Strategies to Fight the Global Tobacco Epidemic

Mauritius Institute of Health

Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, Republic of Mauritius

2010

Results from the ITC Mauritius Survey Project

Mauritius National Report

Suggested Report Citation ITC Project (May, 2010). ITC Mauritius National Report. University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; Mauritius Institute of Health (MIH), Pamplemousses, Mauritius.

ITC National Report: Mauritius (2010)

i

“The Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) Regulations have recently been promulgated. Contrary to what some may think, this is not a measure that restricts liberty. It is meant to free you from a scourge that was becoming far too widespread and wrecking innocent lives.” Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, G.C.S.K. March 12, 2009 (Mauritius Independence Day)

Table of Contents i

Message from the Minister of Health and Quality of Life

iii

Table of Contents

iv

List of Tables and Figures

vii

ITC Policy Evaluation Project

1

Background

2

Key Findings

4

Implications for Tobacco Control in Mauritius

5

The Tobacco Landscape in Mauritius

9

Methods

14

Findings

14

Smoking and Quitting Behaviour

16

Protection from Exposure to Tobacco Smoke

19

Product Labeling

20

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship

21

Education, Communication, and Public Awareness

22

Smoking Cessation Assistance

23

Price and Taxation

24

Implications of the Findings

25

ITC Survey Project Contacts and Funding Sources

27

Further References

ITC National Report: Mauritius (2010)

iii

List of Tables and Figures