Tobacco consumption is increasing in developing countries, which will
bear the brunt of the tobacco epidemic in the 21st century. If current
smoking patterns continue, 7 of the world's 10 million annual deaths
from tobacco in 2025 will occur in developing countries. Compared with
developed countries, more men and Fewer women currently smoke in deve
loping countries, but smoking among girls and women is increasing. Whi
le indigenous tobacco production and consumption remain a major proble
m, of particular concern is the penetration by the transnational tobac
co companies, bringing with them denial of the health evidence, sophis
ticated advertising and promotion, threats of trade sanctions based on
tobacco trade, and opposition to tobacco control measures, in particu
lar promotional bans and tobacco tax policy. Developing countries must
urgently devise and implement national tobacco control policies, but
many governments have little experience in the new noncommunicable dis
ease epidemic or in countering the transnational tobacco companies.