The final Declaration of the annual United Nations conference for NGOs recognises noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) as one of the significant health challenges facing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Declaration from the Conference, agreed by 1,600 participants representing over 350 NGOs from more than 70 countries, also called on governments to “respect and implement” international health agreements such as the FCTC.

Barbados will go smoke-free in all public places this October.

The ban covers public areas like bars, restaurants, hotels, rum shops, businesses, government buildings libraries and museums.

Spain will require pictorial warnings on all cigarette packaging as of May, 2011.

The warning sizes will cover about 43 percent of the front of cigarette packages, and about 53 per cent of the back, which include a black border.

Mobile courts in Bangladesh continue chasing down violators of the country’s tobacco law.

With the help of non-government orgainsations (NGOs), the local government in the Kustia Sadar sub district formed a mobile court in July to fine people for smoking in public places, including the Bittipara Bazar and Kustia-Jhenaidah Highway. Four bus drivers were also fined for smoking in their buses. The court also removed illegal cigarette advertising.