July 25, 2008

One billion will die from smoking

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have released some chilling statistics, one billion people will die in the 21st century due to tobacco.

However, the countries more likely to be affected are places like Russia and Bangladesh. In an attempt to prevent this from happening £250 million has been committed to the cause. £125 million by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg this is added to the £60 million he already donated and a further £60 million has come from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

No amount of money will ever totally prevent smoking from happening, but what it can do is buy advertising and help to persuade governments and authorities to ban smoking in public places and the way that cigarettes are advertised, especially to children.

Source [NY Times]