UICC urges action on World No Tobacco Day to prevent 2.5 million tobacco-related cancer deaths

In addition to working with WHO and civil society organisations at the international level to improve tobacco control around the world, UICC has developed a range of resources to support its 1,200+ members across 172 countries and territories in advocating for stronger tobacco control policies. It has regularly promoted these resources for World No Tobacco Day.

“Every day, thousands of people around the world die from tobacco-related illnesses. Countries have the tools at their disposal to oppose the marketing tactics of companies that sell these carcinogenic products and assist individuals to stop smoking – or never start.”
– Dr Cary Adams, CEO of UICC

UICC has also featured tobacco control on social media, in numerous articles published on its website and most recently in its podcast series, Let’s Talk Cancer entitled “Tobacco and alcohol – manipulative marketing and how to counter it”.

This podcast and many of the articles highlight the insidious commercial interests that lie behind the sale and promotion of cigarettes. Tobacco companies prioritise profits over public health, employing aggressive marketing strategies that target vulnerable populations, including young people and low-income communities.

UICC emphasises the urgent need for governments, civil society, and international organisations to join forces and see more countries implement proven anti-tobacco measures, as outlined by the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to safeguard public health and counter tobacco companies’ harmful tactics that perpetuate the tobacco epidemic.

“While there is still much to do and we must remain vigilant, Australia is a prime example of what can be achieved if effective regulation is passed on taxation, advertising, packing, points of sale, raising awareness and protecting people from the effects of tobacco.”
– Prof. Jeff Dunn, AO, President of UICC