The increase in cigarette smoking worldwide since 1950 has
been particularly dramatic in developing countries and has been
associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic
costs (1,2). Each year, tobacco use accounts for at least 3 million
deaths worldwide (1-3). Based on current smoking trends, in 30-40
years, tobacco use is projected to cause 10 million deaths
annually, of which 70% will occur among persons in developing
countries (1). The global health-care costs resulting from tobacco
use exceed $200 billion per year -- more than twice the current
health budgets of all developing countries combined (4).
To increase global awareness of tobacco-attributable
morbidity, mortality, and economic costs, the theme of the eighth
World No-Tobacco Day, to be held May 31, 1995, is "Tobacco Costs
More Than You Think." Additional information about World No-Tobacco
Day 1995 is available from the Regional Office for the Americas,
World Health Organization (telephone {202} 861-3200), or from CDC's
Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion (telephone {404} 488-5705).
References
Peto R, Lopez AD, Boreham J, Thun M, Heath C. Mortality from
smoking in developed countries, 1950-2000. Oxford, England: Oxford
University Press, 1994.
World Health Organization. World No-Tobacco Day, 31 May 1995
{Advisory kit}. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1995.
World Health Organization. World No-Tobacco Day, 31 May 1995
{Press kit}. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1995.
Barnum H. The economic burden of the global trade in tobacco.
Tobacco Control 1994;3:358-61.
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