The World Health Organization's Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI) was established in 1998 to focus and channel international attention, resources, and action to reduce the global burden of disease and death caused by tobacco use. TFI provides global policy leadership, encouraging mobilization at all levels of society, promoting the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC).
Tobacco use is the second major cause of death in the world today. In the 20th century, the tobacco epidemic killed 100 million people worldwide. Unless urgent action is taken during the 21st century,
it could kill 1 billion people. Some 80 per cent of these deaths will occur in developing countries.
One third of the world's smokers reside in the Western Pacific Region, where it is estimated that two people die every minute from a tobacco‑related disease. Compared with other WHO regions, the Western Pacific has the greatest number of smokers, among the highest rates of male smoking prevalence, and the fastest increase of tobacco use uptake by women and young people. Recent research shows that up to 50% of all young people in the Region are regularly exposed to tobacco smoke pollution in their homes.
News and Press Releases
31 May 2008
Breaking the Net
The earlier youngsters are trapped in the marketing net of the tobacco industry, the more difficult it is for them to quit. Approximately half a billion children and youth aged 6-23 years old are targeted for tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship events in the Western Pacific Region.
Related Link: World No Tobacco Day 2008
07 February 2008
New Report on Global Tobacco Control Efforts
WHO Director General, Dr Margaret Chan recently launched the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2008 at a news conference with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on 7 February 2008 in New York, USA. Bloomberg Philanthropies helped fund the report. The global analysis, compiled by WHO with information provided by 179 Member States, gives governments and other groups a baseline from which to monitor efforts to stop the epidemic in the years ahead.
Meeting and Events
Third Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products
28 June-5 July 2009, Geneva, Switzerland
World No Tobacco Day 2009 - Tobacco Health Warnings
31 May 2009
Consultative Meeting on the Draft Regional Action Plan 2010-2014 for the Tobacco-Free Initiative
27-30 April 2009, Manila, Philippines
14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health
8-12 March 2009, Mumbai, India
Third Session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
17-22 November 2008, Durban, South Africa
Regional Workshop on Sustaining Action for the FCTC and
Training on Tobacco Control Policies and Programmes
20-27 August 2008, Manila, Philippines
Upcoming Meeting and Events
GTSS Training and Analysis Workshop
30 November - 4 December 2009