The WHO Fights Back

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has been signed by 172 countries and the European Union.  The framework requires countries to reduce smoking rates, secondhand smoke, and tobacco ads and promotions. This framework has led to Uruguay requiring health warnings cover 80 percent of tobacco packaging and China implementing a public smoking ban that also applies to bars and restaurants.
 
However, the WHO continues to encourage other countries to sign the framework.  The organization expects tobacco to kill almost 6 million people, including 600,000 nonsmokers, in 2011.  This number is expected to grow to 8 million a year by 2030.
 
Addiction can cause problems in the workplace. Contact Working Partners to learn more about tobacco prevention programs.