The leadership challenge of tobacco use in Asia: towards health promotion and health for all.

Tobacco use in Asia is sharply on the rise. Present trends in increased smoking behavior will result in epidemics of smoking related diseases and deaths of millions annually in the foreseeable future. Collective leadership for health from several sectors is needed to reverse the trend in increased tobacco use. An agenda for action by leaders is presented, and an intersectoral approach is advocated with a focus on proactive measures to promote positive behaviors for health and to prevent a pandemic of unprecedented proportions.