WHO report shows more people are protected by anti-tobacco policies

The WHO just released its latest report on the global tobacco epidemic, finding that some 5 billion people now live in areas that have some government-provided protection against tobacco smoke. Here’s more from the report: 

• Tobacco cessation: Only 23 countries now offer comprehensive policies to help people quit smoking tobacco cigarettes, making this an area for improvement.  
• Graphic warnings: One of the measures the WHO recommends to encourage smoking cessation is for governments to require graphic warnings on cigarette packs, and the new report finds nearly 4 billion people are protected by such warnings. 
• Public smoking: Some 1.6 billion people across 62 countries are protected by laws that prevent smoking in public spaces and workplaces, but the vast majority of people worldwide do not live where such laws are in effect.