World No Tobacco Day 2009

Theme: THE WARNINGS AGAINST THE DANGERS OF TOBACCO FOR HEALTH

January 12, 2009 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen "The warnings against the dangers of smoking to health" as the theme for next World No Tobacco Day, which will be celebrated May 31, 2009.

The health warnings appearing on cigarette packages are among the most effective weapons in the fight against the global tobacco epidemic.

WHO promotes particular health warnings with both images and text because it is the best way to get people to stop smoking. These warnings are illustrated in more than a dozen countries.

On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2009 and throughout the year, WHO will encourage governments to adopt health warnings that meet all the criteria for maximum effectiveness, including the fact to cover more than half of the package, included on both the front and the back of the package and include pictures.

The parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control - which are more than 160 - are required to appear on all packages and all forms of outer packaging "of health warnings [preferably illustrated] describing the harmful effects consumption of tobacco. " WHO is working through its Initiative for a Tobacco Free to assist Parties in fulfilling their obligation by paying their technical and other assistance.

As stated by Dr Margaret Chan, Director General of WHO, "we have the solution at hand facing the global tobacco epidemic that will threaten the lives of one billion men, women and d 'children during this century. "

The warnings against the dangers of smoking to health are an important part of the solution mentioned by Dr Chan.

You will find soon on this website for further information on the reasons which prompted the WHO to choose "The warnings against the dangers of smoking to health" as the theme for No Smoking Day 2009 and on the role that can play these warnings - particularly illustrated - to combat smoking.