UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The World Health Organization welcomed New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to donate $125 million to a global campaign against smoking.
Anders Nordstrom, acting director-general of WHO, said Wednesday in a statement Bloomberg's donation, along with other recent contributions, will directly benefit global public health.
"Tobacco use currently kills about 5 million people every year and the number will be doubled if the current trend continues," said Nordstrom.
"However, there is now a global momentum to reverse that, with many countries both wealthy and poor taking action to restrict tobacco use and support those who need help stopping."
WHO adopted the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the world's first public health treaty, in 2003. The treaty requires countries to restrict tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion, establish new labeling of tobacco products, introduce clean indoor air controls and strengthen legislation on tobacco smuggling.
Through this treaty -- one of the most widely endorsed in the history of the United Nations, with more than 130 countries having ratified it thus far -- the WHO is leading the worldwide fight against the tobacco epidemic.
Months before the health agency adopted the FCTC, Bloomberg proved himself to be a vanguard of the non-smoking movement by spearheading a sweeping indoor smoking ban in New York City.
The ban, in place since March 2003, covers all workplaces, including bars, small restaurants, bingo parlors and other venues not covered by the city's previous 1995 law.
