WHO applauds Xi’an going 100% smoke-free on 1 November, and calls for a Smoke-free Silk Road

The World Health Organization (WHO) joins Xi’an Municipal Government today in a celebration of the new Tobacco Control Regulation, which makes all indoor public places in Xi’an 100% smoke-free from 1 November 2018. WHO congratulates Xi’an on this significant win for health and encourages other cities along the Silk Road to follow Xi’an’s lead.
“It is wonderful to be here with you today to celebrate this significant moment. I congratulate the Xi’an Municipal Government for taking this strong step to better health for the people of this wonderful city. ” said Dr Shin Young-soo, Regional Director for the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office.

“This 100% smoke-free regulation is a wonderful gift for the people and visitors of Xi’an. It is the gift of health and air free from harmful second-hand smoke,” said Dr Shin.

Xi’an’s regulation is fully compliant with WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) – the global tobacco control treaty which China ratified in 2005 – and requires all indoor public places and workplaces to be 100% smoke-free with no loophole or exceptions. When fully implemented, it will have a major positive impact on the health of Xi’an’s many millions of residents and visitors.

“A good law is just a beginning. We need such strong leadership throughout the life of the Regulation including rigorous enforcement. The success of the legislation will depend on effective implementation, enforcement and compliance mechanisms, supported by financial and technical resources, as well as educational and public awareness. Experience in other cities in China show strong public support for smoke-free laws, and public participation in enforcement and reporting is essential for success,” said Dr Gauden Galea, WHO Representative in China.

“We now call on all Xi’an citizens to get involved in the city health authorities’ efforts to enforce the law. All of us have a role to play! If you see someone smoking in a restaurant, tell them to stop! The law gives you the right to protect your health. Talk to the manager or owner, or call the city hotline – 12345 – to report violations of the law,” said Dr Galea.

For a thousand years, Xi’an has played a critically important role in trade and economics as the starting point of the Silk Road. Now its leadership will also serve as a source of inspiration for other cities – on health. “Let’s challenge other cities along the Silk Road to follow Xi’an’s lead, to create a Smoke-Free Silk Road by 2020!” proposed by Dr Shin.

“China serves as a role-model in many global public health areas. Cities in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and now Xi’an have all become 100% smoke-free through strong legislation and implementation. The experiences of these cities should be shared with other cities in China and around the world,” explained Dr Shin.