Marking World Day, Secretary-General Calls for Control of Cheap, Illicit Tobacco

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for World No Tobacco Day, observed 31 May:

On this World No Tobacco Day, I call for boosting the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to eradicate the illicit trade in cheaper tobacco products which tend to lure younger and poorer groups into addiction while depleting the ability of States to charge taxes that could support health services.  By striking at the criminal gangs and tobacco companies that engage in this reprehensible trade, we will advance public health and sustainable development.