WHO call for total ban on tobacco advertising

The organization said it is urging all governments to to clamp down on the tobacco industry's efforts to attract young people through "sophisticated marketing". Research shows that the more young people are exposed to tobacco marketing, the more likely they are to smoke, according to the WHO. But, only about 5% of the world population are covered by a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising or tobacco company sponsorship.

Margaret Chan, Director General of WHO says that the tobacco industry needs to replace smokers who stop or who die - so advertising and marketing is vital to the industry. Young people are aggressively targeted by the industry.

In countries where comprehensive bans are in place, tobacco consumption has been reduced by up to 16%. However, half measures are not enough because the industry simply shifts its focus to other areas. So a comprehensive ban is the only effective approach.