"Tobacco products in developing countries are cheaper now than they were a decade ago, sometimes even cheaper than bread or rice," said WHO in a statement.

WHO based its statements on the results of a report that looked at tobacco price trends in 80 countries between 1990 and 2000. The study found that while cigarettes have become more expensive in most industrialized countries, prices in many developing nations have not kept up with inflation and wage increases.

"Developing countries where tobacco-control programs are not yet comprehensive and where prices have decreased in the last decade can be found in every continent and include Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Ivory Coast," said WHO. "Cigarette prices tend to be higher in wealthier places and where strong tobacco-control programs exist, such as Norway, Australia and Hong Kong."

The WHO report recommended increasing the cost of tobacco products as a means of reducing consumption. "Higher prices may assist non-users in continuing to keep away from tobacco and thus avoid addiction," said Derek Yach, head of WHO's anti-smoking program.

WHO also urged governments to set aside part of their tobacco-tax income to fund health campaigns and medical research.

According to WHO, smoking and tobacco-related diseases kills 4 million people each year worldwide. Deaths are expected to reach 10 million a year by 2030, with 70 percent of them in developing countries.

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