<strong>WHO Tells China More Effort Needed To Ban Tobacco Ads</strong>

Source from:  BERNAMA (Malaysian National News Agency) (my)  05/30/2013

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said although China has taken important steps to restrict tobacco advertising and promotion, much room remains for improvement.

The message was delivered at a media briefing here Wednesday by WHO China in the lead-up to World No Tobacco Day that falls on May 31, Xinhua news agency reported.

"There is considerable room for China to strengthen restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, as well as enforcement of restrictions," said WHO China communications officer Helen Yu.

Yu said existing bans are not comprehensive as tobacco advertisements can still be seen on billboards or in new media such as microblogs.

However, bans on tobacco advertising in mass media and strict controls over portrayal of smoking in films and TV show China has made progress in the field, she said.

The China National Tobacco Control Plan 2012-2015 includes commitment to strengthen existing bans. Enditem