Un Agency Hails Donation To Anti-Smoking Campaign

Un Health Agency Hails New York Mayor’s Donation To Anti-Smoking Campaign

New York, Aug 16 2006 2:00PM

The United Nations health agency today welcomed a contribution of $125 million to a worldwide anti-smoking initiative from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg as part of the larger drive to restrict tobacco use, which currently kills some 5 million people a year.

Dr. Anders Nordström, Acting Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), hailed Mr. Bloomberg’s donation, as well as other recent contributions from philanthropists, saying the funds will have a direct impact on global public health.

“The World Health Organization welcomes this movement, which stands to save and improve millions of lives,” said Dr. Anders Nordström, Acting Director-General of WHO.

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death globally, killing 5 million people each year, a number that will double if current trends continue, WHO><"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2006/s13/en/index.html">WHO estimates.

“There is now a global momentum to reverse that, with many countries both wealthy and poor taking action to restrict tobacco use, and support those who need help stopping,” said Dr. Nordström. “This contribution will help to increase this momentum.”

Through its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC><"http://www.who.int/tobacco/framework/en/index.html">FCTC), which has been ratified by more than 130 countries, WHO is spearheading the fight against the world’s tobacco epidemic.

The agency supports country-level efforts to restrict tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion, set new labelling and indoor air standards, and strengthen laws against tobacco smuggling.

Ends

© Scoop Media