WHO seeks clampdown on tobacco ads targeting women

[Robb]

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE64R1Z420100528?type=marketsNews">WHO seeks clampdown on tobacco ads targeting women

GENEVA — The World Health Organisation called on Friday for more action against tobacco advertising that targets women and girls, especially in developing countries.

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The report said that out of 151 countries, half reported that as many teenage girls smoke as boys, and even outnumber boys in parts of Latin America, notably Chile, Colombia and Mexico, as well as in Eastern Europe.

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"The tobacco industry is spending heavily on seductive advertisements that target women especially in low- and middle-income countries," Bettcher said. "The advertisements try to dupe women in believing that tobacco use is associated with beauty and liberation."

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In Japan, where rates of male smokers have sharply fallen in recent years, pink packs of cigarettes are aggressively promoted to attract girls, according to the WHO. In Egypt, one maker uses a cigarette pack resembling a perfume container.

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[SheilaT]

1. Cigarette companies

have always had to market aggressively to replace smokers who quit or die.