Journal of the American Medical Association | December 15, 2010
Read the PublicationTOBACCO USE ACCOUNTS FOR MORE DEATHS GLOBALLY than human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined—more than 5 million deaths annually—and this is expected to increase to more than 8 million by 2030, with nearly 80% of those deaths occurring in developing countries.(pp13-14) Beyond health effects, tobacco has dramatic social and economic consequences, consuming health care budgets, depriving families of wage earners, and hindering economic development. Tobacco consumption is shifting from industrialized to developing countries, spurred by increasing incomes, trade liberalization, and intensive marketing. This shift is well established among men and in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, with smoking in Africa projected to increase over the next decade. Women are a major target of opportunity for the industry, which uses advertising tactics such as purse packs containing super-slim cigarettes.