Press Release: WHO Highlights Urgent Need to Combat Global Tobacco Epidemic
Tobacco remains one of the most significant public health threats, accounting for over 7 million deaths annually, including 1.6 million attributed to second-hand smoke. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that tobacco kills up to half of its users who do not quit and is a leading cause of preventable diseases and disability.
Around 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users reside in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illnesses is particularly severe. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), established in 2003 and endorsed by 183 countries, serves as a vital treaty in addressing this epidemic.
To assist in curbing tobacco use, the WHO has implemented MPOWER measures, which include monitoring tobacco use, protecting individuals from tobacco exposure, providing cessation support, warning about tobacco dangers, enforcing advertising bans, and raising tobacco taxes. Evidence shows these measures can save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
A significant finding reveals that while an estimated 62% of the global population lives in countries enforcing effective health warnings on tobacco packaging, only 31 countries offer comprehensive cessation services with cost coverage. Moreover, despite the proven efficacy of increased tobacco taxes in reducing consumption, only a fraction of countries has implemented substantial tax increases.
The WHO stresses the necessity for rigorous monitoring and timely policies to combat tobacco use, especially concerning the rising popularity of new nicotine delivery systems, like e-cigarettes, which pose additional health risks.
Addressing the tobacco crisis is not only a public health imperative but also essential for economic stability, as tobacco spending diverts household resources from essential needs. The WHO is committed to advancing global tobacco control efforts, safeguarding public health, and reducing the societal impacts of tobacco use.
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