WHO Announces Effective Strategy for Preventing Tobacco-Related Disease

WHO has revealed proof that raising taxes on tobacco products helps to deter smokers and lower the amount of smoking-related illnesses. Learn more here.

Jacksonville, FL, United States – July 21, 2015 /PressCable/ —

A recent evaluation conducted by WHO revealed that countries that have increased taxes on tobacco products successfully decreased the number of smokers, and the amount of product each purchased. With these new statistics at hand, the organization hopes to help other countries implement similar strategies, which would help to slow the rising toll of potentially fatal diseases associated with smoking.

To date, 33 countries have raised their taxes on these deadly products to more than 75% the price of the product. It’s the proof from countries like China and France that illustrate the effectiveness of this strategy – which is one of the most affordable methods of prevention. These countries have reported significantly lower numbers of smoking prevalence and related harm, such as lung cancer.

When asked about this strategy, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, said “Raising taxes on tobacco products is one of the most effective – and cost-effective – ways to reduce consumption of products that kill, while also generating substantial revenue. I encourage all governments to look at the evidence, not the industry’s arguments, and adopt one of the best win-win policy options available for health.”

In addition to revealing these surprising numbers, the organization also released several different options for countries to help them successfully implement higher taxes on tobacco products and Since tobacco-related illness is one of the biggest threats across the globe, WHO hopes that this new strategy will help to significantly reduce the number of those at risk.

MEF is ecstatic to see a prominent health organization really making an effort to put an end to the smoking epidemic. Tim Harris, a representative for the company, said “The WHO’s proposed method is one we can really get behind. Not only is it affordable and easy to implement for governments, but it doesn’t infringe upon anyone’s free will. If a person wants to smoke and knowingly do harm to their body, they’re more than welcome to – they just have to pay an arm and a leg first. Smoking will become a luxury that a lot of people will no longer be able to afford.”

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Contact Info:
Name: Joe Ingraham
Organization: MEF
Phone: 1-800-365-1129

Release ID: 87251