World No Tobacco Day 2024: Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is a significant event observed annually on May 31. Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, this day aims to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

2024: Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2024 is "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference." It emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard the youth from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry, which aims to create a new generation of smokers and nicotine users.

Despite the progress made in reducing cigarette smoking, the industry continues to find ways to target youth with new products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The theme provides a platform for discussing the issue and urging governments to implement policies that shield children and adolescents from these harmful influences.

Harmful Effects of Tobacco

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, contributing to numerous health issues. Here are ten harmful effects of tobacco:

Cancer: Tobacco use is a major cause of various cancers, including lung, oral, throat, liver, stomach, bowel, and ovarian cancers.

Lung Disease: Smoking causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and exacerbates asthma.

Heart Disease: Tobacco significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and coronary artery disease.

Pregnancy Complications: Smoking during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.

Weakened Immune System: Tobacco weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.

Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is known to be a common disease among smokers.

Reduced Fertility: Smoking affects fertility in both men and women.

Premature Aging: Tobacco use accelerates aging, causing wrinkles and skin damage.

Dental Problems: Smoking leads to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancers.

Overall Mortality: Tobacco use is responsible for 25% of all cancer deaths worldwide, with smoking accounting for about 85% of all lung cancer deaths.

Tobacco Industry's Targeting of Youth

The tobacco industry targets youth to replace the millions of customers who die or quit using tobacco each year.

Marketing Tactics: Using appealing packaging, flavors, and advertising campaigns to attract young people.

Digital Platforms: Exploiting social media and streaming platforms to bypass traditional advertising restrictions.

Product Development: Introducing new products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches that appeal to younger demographics.

In 2022, at least 37 million young people aged 13–15 years globally used some form of tobacco. In the WHO European Region, 11.5% of boys and 10.1% of girls in this age group are tobacco users, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

Call to Action

World No Tobacco Day 2024 calls on young people to:

Be Informed: Understand the gimmick used by the tobacco industry to manipulate and target them.

Advocate for Change: Join the global movement in advocating for stronger policies to protect youth from tobacco and nicotine products.

Promote Healthy Choices: Encourage peers to make informed, healthy choices and resist the allure of tobacco products.

Support Legislation: Support legislation that increases taxation on tobacco products, expands smoke-free areas, and enforces stricter regulations on sales and marketing.

Engage in Community Efforts: Participate in community efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of tobacco control.

World No Tobacco Day 2024 is a crucial opportunity to shine a light on the harmful practices of the tobacco industry and its impact on youth. By protecting children from these influences, we can create a healthier, tobacco-free future.