부산대학교 도서관

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its ninth report on the global implementation of tobacco control measures. While progress has been made in reducing tobacco-related disease and disability, the implementation of WHO's recommended measures has been mixed, even in high-income countries. By the end of 2022, 71% of the global population lived in countries that had implemented at least one of the recommended measures. However, there are still challenges in fully implementing smokefree policies and enforcing compliance. Additionally, only a quarter of high-income countries have implemented bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. More efforts are needed to provide smoking cessation services and monitor tobacco use, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also highlights the disappointing decision by the newly elected government of New Zealand to repeal laws aimed at reducing smoking rates. Overall, tobacco smoking remains the leading preventable cause of premature mortality globally, and more countries need to adopt cost-effective measures such as increased tobacco taxation. [Extracted from the article]