A Billion People Now Protected by Large, Graphic Pack Warnings
July 07, 2011
More than a billion people in 19 countries are now protected by laws requiring large, graphic health warnings that cover at least half of cigarette packs — nearly double the number that were exposed to these warnings in 2008.
The World Health Organization's Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2011, finds that nations are making significant progress in implementing warning labels and other measures to reduce tobacco use. But progress must be accelerated to reverse a tobacco epidemic that will otherwise kill one billion people worldwide this century.
The report assesses countries' progress in implementing the scientifically proven measures required by an international treaty, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which has been ratified by 174 countries. In addition to the warning labels, these measures include comprehensive smoke-free laws, higher tobacco taxes, and bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Research shows that large, graphic warning labels are most effective at informing consumers about the health risks of tobacco use, motivating smokers to quit and discouraging nonsmokers, including children, from starting. Including countries with warnings that cover less than half the pack, a total of 42 countries now require graphic warnings.
If effectively implemented, tobacco control measures can help protect people around the world from the devastating effects of tobacco use, which kill nearly six million people every year.
Every picture that tells the true story of tobacco use can save lives.