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Noncommunicable diseases

World No Tobacco Day, 31 May 2012 to focus on tobacco industry interference

16-09-2011

The tobacco industry makes the only legal consumer product that can harm everyone exposed to it - even non-users - and kills up to half of those who use it as intended.

The tobacco industry has historically used many different tactics to shape and influence tobacco control policy. It has used its economic power, lobbying and marketing machinery, and manipulation of the media to discredit scientific research and influence governments to propagate the sale and distribution of its deadly product. Furthermore, the tobacco industry continues to inject large sums of money as philanthropic contributions into social programs worldwide to create a positive public image under the guise of corporate social responsibility. 

Tobacco industry interference is a constant threat to tobacco control efforts. Good public health policy depends on a clear-sighted understanding of the industry's tactics and efforts. World No Tobacco Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 31. The 2012 theme focusing on interference by the tobacco industry aims to raise the awareness of this issue so that we can properly address the tactics which result in almost 6 million people each year dying from tobacco.