The number has more than quadrupled since 2007 when only about 1 billion people, or 15 percent of the world's population, were protected by at least one of the measures.

The set of tobacco-control measures, known as MPOWER, included six key strategies namely monitor tobacco use and prevention policies, protect people from tobacco smoke, offer help to quit tobacco use, warn people about the dangers of tobacco, enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and raise taxes on tobacco.

These measures provided "practical tools to help people kick the habit, adding years to their life and life to their years," Ghebreyesus said.

Despite the progress, the report cited by Xinhua news agency said that many countries are still not adequately implementing the MPOWER policies, which can effectively help people quit tobacco and save lives.

"Unfortunately, however, the tobacco epidemic is far from over," it said.

Although tobacco use has declined in most countries and regions, population growth means the total number of people using tobacco has remained stubbornly high, according to the report.

Since the last tobacco report in 2017, only one country, Brazil, has joined Turkey as the world's only countries to have passed all MPOWER policies at the highest level.

In addition, there are only a handful of other countries that have more than two measures in place at best-practice levels, while there are 59 countries that have yet to adopt a single MPOWER measure, it said.

The report also expressed concern about the growing availability of e-cigarettes, especially its increased use among young people.



Source: IANS