WHO reported on Friday that the tobacco industries are using advertising and many other techniques to incite women and girls, especially in developing countries.

Their reports stated that out of 151 countries, half reported that as many teenage girls smoke as boys, and even outnumber boys in parts of Latin America, notably Chile, Colombia and Mexico, as well as in Eastern Europe.

World Health Officials added that 5 million people die every year from tobacco-related heart attacks, strokes and cancers, including 1.5 million women.

As the numbers of smokers have declined in the rich countries, the tobacco industries have moved towards developed countries which have less stringent anti-smoking laws.

They use stereotypes such as associating smoking with women's liberation, the kind of stereotypes featured in smoking promotions decades ago in the rich nations. Especially, pink packs of cigarettes are aggressively promoted to attract girls. In Egypt, one maker uses a cigarette pack resembling a perfume container.

The WHO treaty imposed a complete ban on advertising, promotion and marketing of tobacco products but only 26 countries have followed it so far.