Recent reports suggest that China has been honored by anti-smoking award presented by World Health Organization (WHO). WHO has appreciated the Health Minister of the country for steps taken to control the problem of smoking.

In the past few years, China brought about a wave of legislations to tackle the emerging problem caused due to tobacco. In May, the health ministry published its first reports, which highlighted the side-effects of smoking.

Further, the reports included bans imposed by the government on smoking in office buildings, hospitals and also in airports and also places like restaurants and food joints.

The WHO said, “Health Minister Chen Zhu will be presented a certificate of recognition at a ceremony on Wednesday attended by WHO chief Margaret Chan”.

Further, it was notified that it was quite difficult to curb the problem, as majority of the revenues earned by the country were through tobacco and implementation of anti-smoking laws obstructed the process.

Statistical reports suggest that 30% of the population of China were into the habit of smoking, which means approximately 300 million people, which almost equivalent to entire population of US.

The step taken up could be largely seen, as the cigarette companies, which supported schools, sports events, etc. moved their step backwards. Despite facing so many hurdles, the law was not demolished.