The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. In the United States, since the first Surgeon General's report on smoking and health was presented 50 years ago, smoking prevalence among American adults has been reduced by half. However, consumption of tobacco products is increasing globally. 

The 2014 report of the Surgeon General on smoking and health will be released on 17 January highlighting the progress made in tobacco control and prevention to date. Read more