Could Hong Kong Teach China to Quit Smoking?
(China) A new report published in The Lancet indicates that China, home to about 30% of the world’s smokers, may be able to achieve a reduction in smoking throughout the country by using successful policy strategies from Hong Kong. In the past two decades, Hong Kong has implemented high cigarette taxes, bans on indoor smoking, and education in schools and through public service announcements. These measures have bought a drop in the smoking rate from 23% in 1982 to 12% – the lowest in the world- in 2008. While China has made efforts to combat the high levels of smoking, it will be a significant challenge to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with smoking. Click here to read more or click here to read the article. Peru bans smoking in indoor public spaces (Peru) Peruvian legislators have passed a bill banning smoking in all indoor public places, including workplaces and entertainment areas, in an effort to protect citizens from secondhand smoke. Signs will be posted in areas wher
