Unless efforts are increased to stem the global tobacco epidemic, which currently kills 5.4 million people a year from lung cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses, the toll will rise to more than eight million by 2030, with most deaths occurring in poor countries, a World Health Organization report warns.

“Tragically, with more than 80% of those deaths occurring in the developing world, the epidemic will strike hardest in countries whose rapidly growing economies offer their citizens the hope of a better life,” said Margaret Chan, WHO director general.

But Dr Chan in a preface to …