ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL HEARS REPORTS ON TOBACCO, HAITI SUPPORT PROGRAMME, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN INFORMATICS, COORDINATION PROGRAMMES CORRECTION

Press Release
ECOSOC/5921/

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL HEARS REPORTS ON TOBACCO, HAITI SUPPORT PROGRAMME, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN INFORMATICS, COORDINATION PROGRAMMES CORRECTION

In Press Release ECOSOC/5921 of 24 July, Joy De Beyer’s title, which appeared on pages 1a and 10, was printed incorrectly. Ms. De Beyer is the Tobacco Control Coordinator for the World Bank. Furthermore, her statement, on page 10, should read as follows.

JOY DE BEYER, Tobacco Control Coordinator for the World Bank, said the Bank’s work focused on economic issues related to tobacco and its control. New analyses had been undertaken so that discussion could go forward on the basis of reason and not fear. Research summaries were made available in all languages. They indicated that a whole set of concerns needed to be taken into account when discussing tobacco and its use.

There were more than 1 billion smokers worldwide, she said. Even the most aggressive efforts would not make a dent in reducing that number significantly for many years to come. Concerns about the economic impact should not deter governments from acting to reduce tobacco use. The Bank and partners recognized the complex issues and factors involved in tobacco use, including its impact on health, but also on economies and trade. The whole set of concerns needing to be taken into account for both global and national efforts centred on tobacco. The Bank would remain part of a task force studying the matter.

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