It is according to the latest report by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the use of tobacco published Monday which analyzes smoking trends from 2010 to 2024 and concludes that the epidemic is far from over.
The use of tobacco rose from 26.2% in 2010 to 19.5% last year – and the United Nations health agency predicts that the figures will continue to decrease.
Chef Tedros Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has recognized the progress made, but has issued a warning on new industry products designed to keep consumers hanging.
“Millions of people stop or do not take tobacco thanks to tobacco fighting efforts by countries around the world,” he said.
“In response to this strong progress, The tobacco industry is fighting with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster and stronger in the implementation of proven tobacco control policies. “”
Adolescents and electronic cigarettes
The report includes the first global estimate of using electronic cigarettes for adults and young people.
The figures are alarming: more than 100 million people worldwide now, including 86 million adults and at least 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15.
The prevalence of using electronic cigarettes in adolescents is on average Nine times that of adultsby country. Who calls on governments to fill these shortcomings which allow the industry to target the next generation and regulate electronic cigarettes and other nicotine products.
“”Electronic cigarettes fuel a new wave of nicotine dependence“Said Etienne Krug, Director of the Department of Social Health Demants.” They are marketed as a reduction in misdeeds, but, in reality, hang children to nicotine earlier and risk undergoing decades of progress. »»
In total, 10% of adolescents worldwide have declared to use one or more types of tobacco products.
Trends vary between the sexes, the regions
In Southeast Asia, once the largest regional hotspot in the world, tobacco consumption among men has almost halved – from 70% in 2000 to 37% last year. This region alone represents more than half of the world decline.
In 2024, Europeans represented the greatest number of smokers, followed by the Western Pacific, while the lowest prevalence of tobacco consumption was in Africa.
The projections until 2030 provide for a drop in tobacco use worldwide, but governments must do their share to intensify tobacco control, which advises.
“Almost 20% of adults still use tobacco and nicotine products. We cannot let it go now“Said Jeremy Farrar, who Deputy Managing Director for Health Promotion.
