New WHO report highlights Australia's leadership in tobacco control

Released on 19 July, the ‘WHO Report on the global tobacco epidemic’ has the latest evidence on tobacco use and control globally – including six measures countries can take in tobacco control.

It shows 4.7 billion people, over 60 per cent of the world's population, are now being protected by at least one of these measures. This has quadrupled over the last decade. 

And Australia is playing an important role – listed among highest achieving or best practice countries for:

• Monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies.
• Having comprehensive smoke-free legislation – with special recognition of Sydney’s laws.
• Offering quit support for people who smoke.
• Implementing health warning labels on tobacco product.
• Running sustained anti-tobacco mass media campaigns.

On average, smoking rates across 126 countries measured by WHO fell from 23.5 per cent in 2007 to 20.8 per cent in 2015 – a reduction of 2.8 per cent.

In comparison, the smoking rate in NSW is well below – currently 15 per cent¹.

See the full report: WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic 2017

What still needs to be done worldwide?

WHO says clamping down on illicit tobacco trade and controlling the impact of the tobacco industry will help more people go smoke free globally.

The importance of tracking progress with tobacco monitoring systems is also being highlighted, including:

• Monitoring indicators of tobacco use.
• Monitoring exposure to tobacco smoke.
• Monitoring policies designed to reduce tobacco use or exposure to tobacco smoke.

How is smoking being reduced in NSW?

At the Cancer Institute NSW we’re proud to be a part of reducing smoking rates across the state.

Key actions of this include:

• Comprehensive anti-smoking campaigns – our latest television campaign, Quit Stalling focuses on encouraging young Australian men to quit smoking today.
• Providing support services – NSW Quitline, NSW Aboriginal Quitline and iCanQuit offer online or telephone support people to quit smoking.
• Implementing projects – grants like the recently announced 2016/2017 Tobacco Control Grants support communities across NSW to reduce smoking rates.

Tobacco smoking is the largest cause of preventable disease and premature death in NSW, but quitting smoking at any time can improve your health.

Find out more: www.cancerinstitute.org.au/how-we-help/cancer-prevention/stopping-smoking