WHO calls for total ban on tobacco ads

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-01-2008 15:09

On the eve of World No Tobacco Day, May the 31st, the World Health Organization is focusing on the world's 1.8 billion youth. The WHO is urging governments to protect them by imposing a ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

The WHO is urging governments to protect them by  imposing a ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion  and sponsorship.(Photo: CCTV.com)

This year's campaign will focus on the multi-billion-dollar efforts of tobacco companies to attract young people to their addictive products through sophisticated marketing. Recent studies show that repeated exposure to tobacco advertising makes it more likely young people will start smoking. The studies also say the industry continues to target the young by falsely associating the use of tobacco with qualities such as glamor, energy and sex appeal.

A statement by W-H-O Director-General Margaret Chan calls a ban on all tobacco advertising "a powerful tool to protect the world's youth."

Editor:Liu Fang