21 November 2019 – In light of recent comments on social media, the World Health Organization (WHO) clarifies that it does not engage with tobacco companies and does not support visits to tobacco company facilities in any way.

WHO’s Constitution, rules, and regulations, including its Framework of engagement with non-State actors, prohibit engagement in activities that have a negative impact on WHO’s integrity, independence, credibility and reputation and public health mandate, contradict the objectives and guiding principles of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control or that present a real or potential conflict of interest with WHO’s policies and practices.

WHO warns against the use of any form of tobacco product, including heated tobacco products. The Organization’s policy guidance is based on science, evidence and technical expertise. Tobacco is deadly in any form.

Any claim that WHO approves tobacco products or any tobacco company is inaccurate. WHO reminds individuals that WHO’s positions and policy are provided only from its official website (www.who.int) and information products.