Today, 31 May 2016 is World No Tobacco Day: Get ready for plain packaging

2016 official campaign

This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) is advocating for the introduction of plain packaging worldwide.
WHO chose to launch this year's WNTD from Oslo, Norway, by organising a dedicated event in collaboration with the Norwegian Cancer Society (NCS) and the Norwegian Minister of Health and Care Services who will present the government’s work on legislation on plain packaging. Other testimonials of successful implementations such as the United Kingdom and Australia's examples will be shared.

More information on the dedicated WHO page: www.who.int/campaigns/no-tobacco-day/2016/en/

• Access the WHO official press release
• Download the WHO official campaign brochure
• View WHO DIrector General, Margaret Chan's statement on plain packaging for World No Tobacco Day 2016: youtu.be/qJhFjrhTWSE
• View the NCS special video: youtu.be/G-CHoP1jeUA
• Access the Nordic Cancer Union official press release
• Access more information on the Nordic Cancer Union (NCU)

Tobacco Free Portfolio: a UICC sponsored initiative

Tobacco consumption is the major cause of NCDs. Today, tobacco kills 6 million people per year, a figure that is expected to rise to 8 million by 2030.

In the fight against preventable cancers, tobacco control remains an area that governments, civil society and the private sector must come together to tackle effectively. Collaboration is key. And in particular addressing the financial power of the tobacco industry has been a fundamental missing piece in tobacco control efforts.

Responding to this need, Tobacco Free Portfolios has been instrumental in initiating dialogue with the finance industry. They are working to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, pension fund investment in tobacco. Founded in Australia by Dr Bronwyn King, their efforts have so far been integral to the decision of over 36 Australian Funds to divest tobacco stocks, to the value of almost 2 billion Australian dollars (1.2 billion Euros). This has now expanded internationally to become a UICC sponsored initiative as the Global Task Force for Tobacco Free Portfolios, Chaired by HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan.

Last week on the eve of the 69th World Health Assembly, UICC, the global cancer and non-communicable disease (NCD) community have welcomed a milestone announcement from AXA Group, who will divest their tobacco industry assets, currently valued at 1.8 billion Euros.