WHO Chief Presses China to Strengthen Tobacco Control

Source from:  Shanghaidaily.com 07/10/2014

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan pressed China to strengthen tobacco control at the final media briefing of her visit to China on Wednesday.

Each year, more than one million people die as a result of tobacco-related illness in China, Chan said at the briefing. "This is a terrible statistic."

Policies contained in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control are proven to work: smoke-free environments; bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; graphic warnings on tobacco packs, she said, adding that, "they just need to be implemented".

Chan recognized that Chinese leaders are committed to a step-wise approach against smoking, but stressed that the devastation caused by smoking outweighs any economic benefits the tobacco industry might bring.

China is home to over 300 million smokers, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the world's smoking population.

During her visit, Chan met with Premier Li Keqiang, health and family planning chief Li Bin and other senior officials and experts. Enditem