Anti-smoking shock therapy

Dissatisfied with the gruesome images of packets like these in Thailand, Singapore is taking another step in " shock therapy " to combat smoking. (Photo: boing-boing.net)

A sick tongue filled the screen, then to the teeth and lecherous lips. A close-up will be a woman who has just wiped her tears and said, "Smoking causes cancer of the mouth. It is difficult to quit smoking, but it is not difficult to quit."

These shocking images will be broadcast on Singapore television in four languages: English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil in a new campaign against smoking.

The print version of the program will appear in newspapers and billboards on the road later. This campaign is the second phase of an anti-smoking movement in Singapore, beginning 1-5 and lasting until the World Anti-Smoking Day 30-5 this year.

According to Choo Lin, director of the Singapore Department of Health Development, the use of images posted on medicine packs in 2004 helped to reduce the number of smokers. A series of studies showed that 47% of the respondents reduced their smoking after seeing sick organs from smoking, while 25% said they wanted to quit smoking.

TRAN DUC THANH