World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Margaret Chan called for a global push to “make sure that the tobacco industry goes out of business”, Agence France Presse reported.

Speaking at the World Conference on Tobacco or Health in Abu Dhabi, Chan said tobacco companies are intent on undermining government resolve to protect public health via tougher tobacco regulation, AFP said. Chan applauded Australia, Ireland and the UK for introducing plain packaging restrictions on tobacco products, and said more than 10 countries are considering similar steps.