WHO votes for global anti-tobacco treaty
The World Health Organisation has voted unanimously to adopt the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the first global commitment to severe controls on tobacco advertising. According to the treaty, the 192 signatory countries will undertake "a comprehensive ban of all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship." This will include a ban on cross-border promotion originating in their territories
WHO director general Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland said: "This is a historic moment in global public health. Now we must see this convention come into force as soon as possible, and countries must use it as the basis of their national tobacco control legislation. We must do our utmost to ensure that young people everywhere have the best opportunities for a healthy life. By signing, ratifying and acting on this convention, we can live up to this responsibility."
The news comes just as the US tobacco industry won a major legal victory on Wednesday, when a Florida appeals court overturned a $145bn verdict against it - the biggest punitive damages award in US legal history.
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