HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 79 MC

Australia's implementation of tobacco plain packaging laws in 2012 was subsequently challenged at the World Trade Organisation by several countries.

This controversy best illustrates which tension in global health policy implementation?

The conflict between international trade agreements and domestic health promotion objectives.
The difficulty of measuring health outcomes from policy interventions across different populations.
The resistance of medical professionals to government regulations on clinical practice.
The challenges of funding preventative health measures during economic downturns.

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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

A is correct as the WTO challenge highlights the tension between domestic health policy objectives (reducing smoking rates through plain packaging) and international trade agreements that protect intellectual property and branding rights of tobacco companies.

Other options:

B is incorrect because the controversy centred on trade implications rather than measurement challenges.
C is incorrect as medical professionals generally supported the plain packaging initiative.
D is incorrect because the controversy was about trade and commercial interests rather than funding issues.