World No Tobacco Day Observed Globally

Kathmandu. Today, World No Tobacco Day is being observed in various countries around the world with awareness programs. This day, celebrated every year on May 31, aims to raise awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use, the commercial strategies of the tobacco industry, the efforts being made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to control tobacco, and the steps needed for healthy living and the protection of future generations. WHO member states initiated this day in 1987 to draw attention to the global tobacco epidemic and the preventable deaths and diseases it causes. The resolution WHA40.38, passed by the World Health Assembly in 1987, decided to observe April 7, 1988, as 'World No Smoking Day'. Subsequently, according to resolution WHA42.19 passed in 1988, World No Tobacco Day has been celebrated every year on May 31. According to the WHO, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide currently use tobacco products, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries. Although the use of tobacco products has been declining in recent years, one in five adults worldwide is still involved in tobacco use in some form. More than 8 million people die each year due to tobacco products, of which about 1.2 million deaths are due to passive smoking. On the occasion of this year's day, the WHO has urged governments to protect new generations from addiction to tobacco and nicotine products. According to the organization, at least 88.4 million children aged 13 to 15 years worldwide are using tobacco products, and the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and nicotine pouches is continuously increasing among the younger generation. The WHO has stated that tobacco and nicotine product manufacturers are developing their products to be more attractive, easier to use, and harder to quit. The organization claims that they are addicting adolescents and youth, especially through flavored e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine products. Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO's Department of Health Determinants, Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health, stated that although millions of people die every year due to tobacco products, large companies are changing their commercial strategies and trying to trap new generations in nicotine addiction. According to him, the aggressive market expansion of flavored e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine products is targeting the youth. The WHO has stated that nicotine is a highly addictive and harmful substance, and its effects can be severe, especially for children, adolescents, and youth whose brains are still developing. It is estimated that more than 100 million people worldwide currently use e-cigarettes, and their popularity is rapidly increasing among adolescents. A recently released WHO report on nicotine pouches mentions that they are being widely promoted through social media influencers. The report states that strategies are being adopted to attract youth through attractive packaging, candy-like flavors, and lifestyle-related advertising campaigns. According to the report, about 160 countries worldwide do not have clear legal and regulatory provisions for nicotine pouches. Despite the rapid increase in their global sales, millions of people are at risk due to insufficient regulation. The WHO has urged governments to ban flavored nicotine products, prohibit advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, declare all indoor public places as completely smoke-free and vape-free zones, and enhance the effectiveness of legal enforcement. Warning that failure to control the increasing use of tobacco and nicotine products could have serious consequences for the health of future generations, the WHO has emphasized the shared effort of all parties to build a healthy and safe society.