Crush Deadly Tobacco Addiction On World No Tobacco Day
Every year, on May 31, we mark World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) to crush deadly tobacco addiction. This global event, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to highlight the harmful impacts of tobacco, especially on youth. For 2024, the spotlight is on protecting children from the tobacco industry’s sneaky tactics.
Tobacco Industry vs. Our Youth
The theme for WNTD 2024 is all about stopping the tobacco industry’s efforts to hook young people. This day encourages conversations among young people, policymakers, and advocates. The goal? Push governments to create policies that keep young people safe from tobacco’s manipulative marketing.
Despite progress in reducing cigarette smoking, the fight is far from over. Tobacco control efforts have been phenomenal, but with millions of young lives at stake, there’s always more to do.
Shocking Stats: The Youth at Risk
Did you know that in 2022, around 37 million kids aged 13-15 worldwide used 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—that’s about 4 million kids.
Crush Deadly Tobacco Addiction: Why Target the Young?
The tobacco industry is crafty. To keep their profits rolling, they need to replace the customers who quit or die each year. So, they target the next generation, ensuring their products are cheap and easy to get. They create youth-friendly products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, and use social media to reel in young users.
In 2022, 12.5% of adolescents in Europe used e-cigarettes, compared to just 2% of adults. In some countries, kids are 2-3 times more likely to vape than smoke traditional cigarettes.
Holding the Industry Accountable
The tobacco industry knowingly sells a deadly habit to our youth. That’s why WNTD 2024 calls on governments and advocates to protect young people and hold the tobacco industry accountable for the harm it causes.
A Brief History of World No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day started in 1987 when the World Health Assembly passed a resolution for a global no-smoking day. The first official WNTD was celebrated on May 31, 1988. Since then, it has become an annual event dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangers of tobacco and advocating for a smoke-free future.
Join the Movement
Crush Deadly Tobacco Addiction. WNTD is a day to educate the public about the risks of tobacco, expose the shady practices of tobacco companies, and highlight WHO’s efforts to combat the tobacco epidemic. It’s a call to action for everyone to claim their right to health and protect future generations from the harms of tobacco.
Let’s crush deadly tobacco addiction together and make this World No Tobacco Day count. Together, we can protect our youth and create a healthier, smoke-free