European Society of Cardiology
Tobacco use continues to be a primary contributor to the global burden of disease, causing an estimated 12% of deaths worldwide among people aged 30 and over. Four leading cardiovascular organisations – American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, European Society of Cardiology and World Heart Federation – today released a joint opinion calling for greater action at the global scale to end the tobacco epidemic once and for all.
The organisations are urging governments to take immediate action to implement the World Health Organization’s MPOWER framework, which outlines six essential policy approaches proven to reduce tobacco use: Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; Protect people from tobacco smoke; Offer help to quit tobacco use; Warn about the dangers of tobacco; Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and Raise taxes on tobacco.