The world's first convention aimed at cutting the number of smokers has come into force.

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control gives signatory countries three years to put strong health warnings on cigarette packets and five years to ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

It also recommends tax increases on tobacco products, a crackdown on smuggling, and reducing exposure to second-hand smoke.

Fifty-five countries have ratified the treaty.

The World Health Organization says that smoking kills almost five million people every year.

There are over 1.3 billion smokers in the world, of which 350 million are in China.

(CRI February 28, 2005)