News: Tobacco control

Cigarette packs across Russia must now carry health-warning messages, as part of the country's efforts to enhance awareness of smoking-related diseases, Hindustan Times reports.

Electronic cigarette makers face political battles across the U.S. as state leaders and anti-smoking groups act to ban e-cigarettes. New Jersey, New York, Oregon and New Hampshire are a few states that have banned or restricted sales of the product so far. Others are taking a closer look at the product, which is rapidly gaining popularity among smokers. However, Green Smoke hasn't seen a drop in demand and believes these actions are caused by fear and misunderstanding of a new type of cigarette that is safer than tobacco.

Bulgaria's new government will raise excise duties on cigarettes 43 percent next year in a bid to curb smoking and relieve the health care system, the finance ministry said on Thursday.

The National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas PA) said Saturday it would stop its campaign for an end to cigarette promotion.

Health Affairs Management in cooperation with Primary Health Care Management, and the Anti-Smoking Program at the Ministry of Health will on Sunday launch a campaign against smoking under the theme "Yes for the warning pictures on cigarette packs, and no for misleading words."