May 31st marks World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), when the World Health Organization (WHO) and advocates worldwide unite to highlight the tobacco industry's impact on individuals.

Focus of WNTD 2024

The focus of WNTD 2024 revolves around safeguarding youth from being targeted by tobacco products. This initiative serves as a platform for people, policymakers, and advocates in tobacco control to address this issue and call upon governments to implement measures that protect individuals from tobacco companies' deceptive tactics. Despite progress in reducing cigarette smoking, thanks to the efforts of the tobacco control community, more actions are needed to shield these demographics.

Data from 2017 reveals that 267 million Indian adults aged 15 and above use some form of tobacco. Smokeless tobacco such as khaini, gutkha, paan and zarda is the most prevelant form of tobacco. This is alarming as the economic cost to India,owing to tobacco consumption was whooping a 27.5 billion USD loss . Also, India has the second highest number of tobacco users globally.

On the other hand, recent data from 2022 reveals that 37 million youths aged 13–15 use some form of tobacco. In the WHO European Region alone, 11.5% of boys and 10.1% of girls in this age group are tobacco users (4 million). The reason behind the targeting of youth by the tobacco industry is driven by its necessity to sustain profits by replacing customers lost due to mortality or quitting tobacco use every year.

To reach this objective, the industry strives to establish an atmosphere encouraging people to embrace its products, with lenient regulations ensuring their accessibility and affordability. Additionally, the sector designs products and marketing strategies to appeal to youngsters, engaging them through media and streaming services. The popularity of items like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches is on the rise among adolescents. Reports indicate that in 2022, 12.5% of youths in the European Region used e-cigarettes compared to 2% of adults. In countries within the region, e-cigarette usage among schoolchildren surpasses cigarette smoking rates by 2-3 times.

By fostering a reliance on their products among young individuals, the industry is actively promoting addiction. Therefore, World No Tobacco Day 2024 urges governments and tobacco control advocates to safeguard both future generations and hold accountable those responsible for the impacts caused by the tobacco industry.

Key Points

Tobacco plays a role in causing types of cancer, particularly with smoking contributing to the majority of lung cancer fatalities.
Although the number of tobacco users has decreased to 1.25 billion, the use of tobacco remains a concern among individuals aged 13 to 15.
The tobacco industry employs strategies to attract people by introducing new products like e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snacks, and pouches. It also utilises platforms to circumvent advertising limitations.
In preparation for World No Tobacco Day on May 31, with a focus on safeguarding youth, advocates for taxes on tobacco products, more smoke-free zones, and stricter regulations on their sales and marketing. They also aim to address the exploitation of channels in targeting consumers.

Tobacco consumption is linked to types of cancer affecting body parts such as the oral cavity, lungs, liver, stomach, bowel, ovaries and certain forms of leukaemia. Globally, it accounts for 25% of all cancer-related deaths, approximately 2.5 million deaths. Notably, smoking alone contributes to 85% of lung cancer deaths, underscoring the need for collaborative actions worldwide to combat tobacco use.

Conclusion

World Tobacco Day serves as a crucial reminder of the global health crisis caused by tobacco use. Observed annually on May 31st, this day highlights the devastating health, social, and economic impacts of tobacco consumption. Efforts to combat tobacco use include raising awareness, promoting cessation, and advocating for strong policies to reduce tobacco exposure. It’s an opportunity for individuals, communities, and governments to unite in the fight against tobacco, encouraging healthier lifestyles and aiming for a future where tobacco-related illnesses and deaths are significantly reduced. By collectively working towards this goal, we can improve public health and save millions of lives.

References

https://www.uicc.org/news/world-no-tobacco-day-2024-protecting-children-tobacco-industry-interference
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-no-tobacco-day-2024/