Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship

21 May 2013 -- Free yourself! This is WHO's message to governments on World No Tobacco Day 2013, celebrated on 31 May. A comprehensive ban of all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is required under the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control. Yet, only 19 countries, representing 6% of the world’s population, have comprehensive national bans. Tobacco kills nearly six million people every year, of which more than 600 000 are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

17 May 2013 -- Australia has recently introduced a law on tobacco plain packaging, in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Since December 2012, all tobacco products sold in Australia must be in standardized drab, dark brown packaging with large graphic health warnings. Other countries are watching this pioneering measure and are considering tougher packaging laws for tobacco products.

• Read the feature story on Australia’s plain tobacco packaging

7 May 2013 -- Every year, on 31 May, WHO and partners mark World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Tobacco kills nearly six million people each year, of which more than 600 000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke. The theme of this year’s campaign is "Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship".

• Read more about the goals of the campaign