Tackling Youth Manipulation by Tobacco Industry on WNTD

On World No Tobacco Day, the focus is on ending the tobacco industry's manipulation of youth, as highlighted by Pavel Ursu. The theme emphasizes the need to counter the appeal of nicotine and tobacco products, which continue to target children and adolescents.

Tobacco use remains a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory illnesses, placing a significant burden on families and health systems. Although global tobacco use has declined from 1.38 billion users in 2000 to around 1.2 billion in 2024, progress remains uneven, and current policies are insufficient to meet global reduction targets.

The tobacco industry continues to innovate and repackage products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, to attract new users, particularly adolescents, thereby sustaining addiction and undermining previous gains in tobacco control. The article stresses the importance of preventing a new generation from becoming dependent on nicotine.