Abstract :

There was a time when tobacco use was unheard of. However, following the discovery of the Americas in the 13th century tobacco use gradually increased. Today it is estimated that there are some 1.3 billion tobacco users world wide. Unfortunately half of all people who smoke tobacco will die as a direct consequence of their dependence on this substance. Although many countries have made substantial gains in tobacco control and reduced smoking prevalence, rates of less than 5% are not going to be achieved without careful and well-planned strategies. Activities that promote cessation of tobacco use and help people achieve and maintain abstinence need to be strengthened.  This lecture discusses some of the ways in which countries might achieve the ‘smokefree’goal.