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Saima Wazed lamented that it is "worrying" that the "industry lures youth by aggressively introducing new nicotine and tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes and heated Tobacco products".
"Young people across the world are calling for the tobacco industry to stop targeting them with products that are harmful to their health."
She said that governments must adopt policies to protect them from the manipulative practices of obacco and related industries, which includes the relentless marketing of their dangerous products through social media and streaming platforms.
Despite having policies and regulations in place, these are becoming increasingly popular with the youth in the SE Asia region, and "social media and other similar platforms are likely to make this worse".
"The Tobacco industry moves with speed to launch new products, using every means to expand market share before regulations can catch up," the WHO Regional Director said.
"They continue to oppose evidence-based measures, such as increases in excise taxes, and comprehensive bans on Tobacco advertising, promotions, and sponsorships. They even threaten legal action against governments that try to protect the health of their citizens."
She pointed out the "lagging" efforts by governments and institutions to fight the marketing strategies of the Tobacco industry.
The WHO chief called for a generational Tobacco ban, leading to a 'Tobacco-Free Generation'.
"Our goal for our youth is clear. We want to prevent and reduce Tobacco consumption, nicotine addiction, and exposure to new Tobacco products."
Indo-Asian News Service