WHO slams youth smoking "deceit"

Call to halt sham youth smoking prevention programs 

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The world’s leading health organisations are calling on tobacco companies to halt  their so-called youth tobacco prevention programs because they have failed to produce evidence such campaigns work. 

The International Union Against Cancer, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, and World Heart Federation, which represent hundreds of public health organizations around the world, today sent letters to the tobacco companies condemning their messages that claim to dissuade young people from smoking.    

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report today showing that there is no credible evidence to back the tobacco industry’s youth smoking prevention initiatives.  The report also shows that the messages of these programs are ineffective and if anything are likely to encourage smoking.   

Australian schools have also been targeted by tobacco companies as tobacco giant Philip Morris was behind an educational program “Ive got the power” that was part of a widespread marketing campaign in Australia now being promoted in South East Asia. 

“Putting tobacco companies in charge of educating kids about drugs is like putting the fox in charge of the chicken coup”, said Anne Jones, CEO of ASH Australia.

Tobacco companies are also in trouble over targeting teenagers at concerts and fashion shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Philip Morris will be back in Court on Monday (SE Sydney Area Health Service v Philip Morris P/L, Sydney Magistrates Court, 28 October) over alleged below the line marketing tactics at fashion events attended by teenagers.

Comment:                Anne Jones, CEO ASH    ph. 0417-227-879

Media inquiries:      Stafford Sanders            ph. (02) 9334-1823     

Page last updated on 28/10/2002