WHO Reports Global Decline in Tobacco Use

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed a consistent reduction in the number of adult tobacco users worldwide, signaling a positive trend. However, the WHO cautioned against complacency, highlighting the tobacco industry’s persistent efforts to reverse this decline.

As of 2022, approximately one in five adults globally were smokers or consumed other tobacco products, a significant decrease from one in every three adults in 2000, according to the UN health agency. The report, analyzing trends in tobacco use from 2000 to 2030, indicated that 150 countries have made progress in reducing tobacco consumption.

Despite the decline in smoking rates, the WHO emphasized that tobacco-related deaths are expected to remain high for years. Current estimates show that tobacco use claims the lives of over eight million people annually, including approximately 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

The report highlighted that countries implementing robust tobacco control measures could experience a delay of around 30 years between the decrease in prevalence rates and a corresponding reduction in tobacco-related deaths.

Challenges and Progress

While the number of smokers has consistently decreased, the WHO noted that the global community is likely to fall short of achieving its goal of a 30-percent reduction in tobacco use between 2010 and 2025. Fifty-six countries, including Brazil with a 35-percent reduction since 2010, are anticipated to meet this target. However, six countries, including the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Moldova, and Oman, have seen an increase in tobacco use since 2010.

The world is currently on track to achieve a 25-percent reduction in tobacco use over the 15-year period leading to 2025. Despite acknowledging progress, the WHO sounded an alarm, emphasizing the relentless efforts of the tobacco industry to undermine achievements in tobacco control.

Ruediger Krech, director of the WHO’s health promotion department, urged countries not to be complacent. He expressed astonishment at the lengths to which the tobacco industry goes to pursue profits, even at the expense of countless lives. Krech emphasized that the moment a government believes it has won the fight against tobacco, the industry seizes the opportunity to manipulate health policies and promote its harmful products.

Call for Vigilance and Action

The WHO called on all countries to maintain and strengthen tobacco control policies and actively combat “tobacco industry interference.” The report specifically highlighted the need for improved data on tobacco use among adolescents, especially for emerging smokeless products. Approximately 10 percent of 13- to 15-year-olds globally use tobacco products, including at least 12 million using new smokeless tobacco items.

The report emphasized that available data underestimates the issue due to the lack of information from over 70 countries. The WHO stressed the importance of gathering accurate data to counter industry claims and shape effective policies that prevent the initiation of tobacco use among young people.