UN launches smoking treaty

A GLOBAL treaty aimed at dissuading children from smoking and helping adults kick the habit came into force yesterday with the United Nations saying it could save millions of lives.

However, the United States has not yet ratified the treaty and some campaigners fear it may seek to dilute the treaty’s effectiveness to protect the interests of big tobacco firms.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) applauded the strong warnings on cigarette packages and the eventual ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship laid down in the world’s first international public health treaty.