In November of 2001 the World Health Organization (WHO) called on lawmakers around the world to take action against tobacco advertising. An international public opinion survey conducted on four continents showed overwhelming public support for stronger regulations to control tobacco. A study conducted by the World Bank and WHO found that comprehensive advertising bans and price increases do decrease tobacco use.

At the same time, tobacco companies were launching a massive public relations effort to persuade governments not to enact laws limiting tobacco promotion and advertising. As the industry faces efforts within the United States to decrease tobacco consumption, it has attempted to develop new and larger markets in other nations. These nations also face the threat of trade sanctions by the United States if they resist the tobacco industry's expansion.

The WHO, the World Bank, and the United Nations Foundation have created, with assistance...