According to the WHO, worldwide 23 countries now include pictorial health warnings on packaging including several Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Djibouti. Large pictures on packages include photos of premature babies on life support, images depicting premature aging, and pictures of individuals suffering from mouth and face cancer (specific images can be seen on the WHO website).

In their recommendation, WHO officials site data proving that cigarette packing that includes graphic photos can motivate smokers to quit and reduce the appeal of tobacco products to non-smokers.

In countering the possible perception that inclusion of graphic pictures could be considered an extreme strategy, officials noted that "More than five million people die from the effects of tobacco every year — more than from HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. It is the only legal consumer product that kills when used exactly as the manufacturer intends. Up to half of all smokers will die from a tobacco-related disease."

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