WHO Official Accused Tobacco Industry For Dirty Tricks
Director General of the World Health Organization Margaret Chan urged the governments to be united against the big tobacco companies who make use of dirty tactics, bullying and immoral practices in their hopes making people desire and patronize smoking. According to her, large tobacco companies and firms by making use of lawsuits in order to defeat national regulations and international agreements and treaties aimed at curbing smoking among people worldwide.
“It is horrific to think that an industry known for its dirty tricks and dirty laundry could be allowed to trump what is clearly in the public’s best interests,” Chan noted during a WHO meeting in the Manila, Philippines on Monday. She made mention of the legal suits filed by tobacco industries against tobacco regulations in Australia and Uruguay. She said that these lawsuits are merely scare tactics which are intended to frighten other countries from similar lawsuits.
“It is hard for any country to bear the financial burden of this kind of litigation, but most especially so for small countries,” she noted. “Big tobacco can afford to hire the best lawyers and PR firms that money can buy. Big money can speak louder than any moral, ethical or public health argument and can trample even the most damning scientific evidence”.
Chan called the countries’ leaders during the said meeting to retaliate and be wary about these things. “I urge all these countries to stand firm together, do not bow to pressure… we must never allow the tobacco industry to get the upper hand,” she pleaded.
Chan also emphasized the successful efforts of the Philippines in legislating and imposing taxes related to control of tobacco products. She also said that the WHO is behind those countries who want to step up in controlling tobacco use among countries. However, she did not specify how the organization would extend its help to those countries. For many years now, the World Health Organization has been aggressive in banning cigarette advertisement and promotion, including limiting and banning smoking in public places, as well as imposing higher taxes for such products.
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