Getting there together: highlights, challenges and opportunities for tobacco control in the Oceania region

Abstract

Background The paper focuses on the geographical region of Oceania. We highlight the tobacco control leadership demonstrated in this region and describe the challenges and opportunities to achieving country-specific smoke-free goals. Results Significant achievements include smoke-free nation goals, world-leading initiatives such as plain packaging, and a bold plan by New Zealand to reduce the retail availability of smoked tobacco products and remove virtually all the nicotine from cigarettes and rolling tobacco. There are significant challenges and opportunities before reaching smoke-free status including implementation pathways requiring strong governance and leadership and compliance monitoring and enforcement. Conclusions We conclude that achieving a smoke-free Oceania is possible through already existing bold country and regional smoke-free goals, excellent tobacco control leadership, experience and resources, and an understanding of how to work collectively. However, a commitment to focus tobacco control efforts regionally is required to achieve a smoke-free Oceania together.