WHO: Stop Tobacco Advertisements

Geneva, Switzerland (AHN) - The World Health Organization (WHO) wants all tobacco advertisements, promotions and sponsorships to be eliminated.

WHO called for this ban on May 31st, the eve of World No Tobacco Day. This year's campaign is aiming at the multi-billion dollars spent by tobacco companies in attracting young people to patronize their products.

Youngsters are conveyed with the idea that tobacco-use would add to their sex appeal, energy and glamour through advertisements. According to research, many tobacco advertisements subtly encourage them to start smoking.

According to WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, the tobacco industry replaces the consumers who have quit or died with new young ones.

Dr. Douglas Bettcher, Director of WHO's Tobacco Free Initiative, said that tobacco makers have marketing strategies that successfully lure the youth to their addictive drug. As a matter of fact, ban on advertisements in some counties have actually reduced tobacco consumption by up to 16 per cent.

The tobacco industry would always find means to promote their products even with an advertisement ban. Governments in other countries should be strict in implementing a complete ban to stop the tobacco marketing net, Dr. Bettcher added.