191 Member States begin negotiating global rules on tobacco control. Global tobacco advertising bans are one of the issues on the table for FCTC negotiators and many countries around the world have expressed their desire to hasten the drafting of global rules on tobacco advertising. Dr Brundtland urged WHO Member States to remain focused on the public health impact of delays in negotiating global rules for tobacco control. More than ever now, we need quick and decisive action by countries. The FCTC will be ready for signature no later than 2003.
Tobacco currently kills four million people per year.
Unchecked, it will kill 10 million people annually by 2030. Fortunately, these deaths can be brought down by policy interventions such as tobacco advertising and sponsorship bans, increased tobacco taxes and steps to eliminate smuggling of tobacco products.