World No Tobacco Day

Every year, on May 31st, the world observes World No Tobacco Day. This global initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), raises awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocates for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

According to WHO, tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide, killing over 8 million people each year, including around 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

Why World No Tobacco Day Matters

Tobacco is not just an individual health issue, but also a social, economic, and environmental one. Smoking and other consumption of tobacco cause a range of diseases, including cancers, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. Besides health, cultivation of tobacco leads to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, hence it is a severe environmental issue as well.

The struggle against tobacco is a struggle against exploitation as well. Tobacco industry frequently exploits poor people, young people, and vulnerable communities with misleading and aggressive promotions.

Theme for 2025: Unmasking the appeal

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the theme of World No Tobacco Day 2025 as: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”

This year’s campaign focuses on exposing the strategies the tobacco and nicotine industries employ to make their harmful products attractive, particularly among children and youth. Through exposures like these, WHO aims to drive awareness, advocate for stricter policies that encompass bans on popular attractive flavors and ensure public health protection.

The campaign advocates for making the public aware of the deceptive marketing by these industries and promoting policies that shield communities from the evils of tobacco and nicotine use.

What You Can Do

• Spread Awareness: Use your voice to educate people on the dangers of tobacco. Pass on information, organize events, or simply educate your friends and family on quitting smoking.
• Support Tobacco-Free Policies: Make your voice heard for stricter laws banning tobacco advertising, increasing tobacco taxes, and creating smoke-free public places.
• Encourage and Support Quitting: If you or someone in your world uses tobacco, seek help. There are many options available today like counseling to nicotine replacement therapy that make quitting possible.
• Place a High Priority on Youth Protection: Preventing young people from starting to use tobacco is crucial. Educate children and youth about the real effects of smoking and vaping, and help out initiatives which counteract tobacco industry manipulation.

A Tobacco-Free Future is Possible

Every action matters. Every voice counts. On World No Tobacco Day 2025, let us commit ourselves once more to a healthier, cleaner, and fairer world — a world free from the grip of tobacco.