title: Tobacco epidemic or bonanza? The global connection.
abstract: There seems to be ample agreement that tobacco is an addictive harmful substance. The smoking epidemic is most noticeably affecting third world countries but the developed world despite overoptimistic predictions is still far from safe. Profits derived mainly from tobacco trading in poor countries are being used to target vulnerable groups in more developed countries. The fight against smoking in developing countries is hindered by many internal and external factors. The socioeconomic situation is so desperate that governments are prepared to hand over the health of their people as part of payment. Some developed countries have consistently applied double standards to dealing with harmful drugs, not only ignoring the smoking epidemic affecting less developed countries but also actively protecting and encouraging its spreading. The fight against drugs, including smoking, badly needs a real proof of commitment from these countries.
authors.affiliation: Maudsley Hospital, London.
authors.forename: R I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Araya
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Laranjeira
mesh_terms: D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D015994:Incidence; D007391:International Cooperation; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention