Through national policies, governments have a key role to play in controlling tobacco as effectively as possible. WHO recommends comprehensive tobacco control strategies, with strong emphasis on legislation and education. Reducing tobacco's harmful effects requires governments to legislate and educate. There is a need for urgent national and international action to restrict the spread of tobacco use.
Tobacco kills four million people a year, one death every eight seconds.
If current trends remain unchecked, tobacco will also eventually kill 250 million children alive today. This death toll is avoidable Tobacco control must come from all sectors of society, from economic, health and social sectors. Effective policies and interventions can make a real difference to tobacco use and associated health outcomes. The combined impact of legislation, increased tax and comprehensive community-based strategies has steadily decreased tobacco consumption in many developed countries. Early indications from developing countries that have adopted a similar mix of interventions suggest that they too will be effective.