WHO praises Harbin for anti-smoking efforts   

“哈爾濱控煙模式”獲世界衛生組織肯定

Harbin (CNS) -- The anti-smoking efforts made by China's northeastern city of Harbin have received recognition by health organizations around the world, according to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In its report on the global tobacco epidemic for 2013, WHO director-general Margaret Chan praised Harbin's progress in building itself into a smoking-free city.

Harbin leads China in terms of anti-smoking legislation, said an official at the WHO China Representative Office.

Harbin is the first Chinese city trying to completely ban smoking in all public areas and work places, the official added.

Harbin issued legislation targeting second-hand smoke in May 2012, which has been crowned as a "golden example for all developing countries around the world in tobacco control."