Governments worldwide should increase taxes on tobacco products to combat smoking, the World Health Organisation stated in their latest tobacco control report.

The WHO Report on the global tobacco epidemic 2015 identifies tobacco tax increases as the single most effective and cost-effective measure in reducing tobacco use, noting that taxes are especially effective in reducing smoking rates among vulnerable populations and achieving public health goals while also generating revenue.
In an accompanying media release, the organization said that while 33 countries have implemented taxes that represent more than 75 per cent of retail pack price, others have either low tax rates or no special tax on tobacco related products at all.
“I encourage all governments to look at the evidence, not the industry’s arguments, and adopt one of the best win-win policy options available for health,” WHO Director General Dr Margaret Chan was quoted in the media release as saying.