The World Health Organization (WHO) in China today launched a new social media campaign to celebrate Beijing's new smoke-free law which will come into effect on 1 June, and in support of stronger tobacco control policies in China.
The campaign is titled #RUFREE? – meaning 'Are you smoke-free? And do you support smoke-free environments?' – and includes posters featuring several high profile Chinese celebrities voicing their support for stronger tobacco control policies.
The Chinese celebrities joining the campaign include:
- Mr Pan Shiyi, founder and Chairman of SOHO Corporation;
- Zhang Liangying, singer;
- Wang Yan, actress;
- Bao Chunlai, former world champion badminton player;
- Zhang Fengyi, actor;
- Ma Tianyu, actor and singer;
- James Chau, writer, broadcaster, and UN Goodwill Ambassador.
The posters will be disseminated via social media, and by the Beijing and national governments in their publicity campaigns to promote smoke-free and tobacco control policies.
"WHO is delighted to have the support of Pan Shiyi, Zhang Liangying, Wang Yan, Bao Chunlai, Zhang Fengyi, Ma Tianyu, and James Chau in our advocacy for stronger tobacco control policies in China," said Dr Schwartländer, WHO Representative in China.
"Tobacco use is one of the most serious public health threats facing China today: every 30 seconds, someone dies in China as a result of tobacco use.
"Progress is being made – for example through the adoption of the Beijing smoke-free law which will be effective from 1 June 2015. This is a huge step forward.
"But more needs to be done. Most people are not aware that the average PM2.5 reading in a restaurant where just five people are smoking a cigarette is approximately 1200 – 2.5 times higher than the outdoor air pollution reading on a very badly polluted day.
“Through this new campaign, we aim to build community support for addressing tobacco use in China. We want to see the public embrace the fight against tobacco in the same way China has embraced the war on outdoor air pollution," Dr Schwartländer said.
China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of tobacco products. There are more than 300 million smokers in the country – with 28.1% of adults, and more than half of all adult men, regular smokers. More than 1 million people die from tobacco-related illness every year – around 3000 people every day. In addition, over 700 million people are routinely exposed to second-hand smoke, which kills approximately 100,000 people every year.
About the World Health Organization
WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.
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