The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a steady decline in adult tobacco users globally, with about one in five adults using tobacco in 2022, compared to one in three in 2000. While 150 countries are successfully reducing tobacco use, WHO warned of ongoing challenges, including the tobacco industry’s efforts to reverse progress.
Key points from the report:
- Positive Trends: Smoking rates are decreasing in most countries, and 56 nations are on track to achieve the goal of a 30% reduction in tobacco use by 2025.
- Missed Goals: The world is set to miss the target of a 30% reduction in tobacco use between 2010 and 2025, with six countries experiencing an increase in tobacco use since 2010.
- Persistent Deaths: Despite declining smoking rates, tobacco-related deaths are expected to remain high for years, with over 8 million people, including 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke, estimated to die annually.
- Tobacco Industry Influence: WHO emphasizes the tobacco industry’s determination to manipulate health policies and sell their products, urging countries to fight against “tobacco industry interference” and strengthen control policies.
- Adolescent Tobacco Use: The report highlights the need for better data on tobacco use among adolescents, emphasizing that current data is an underestimate due to the lack of information from more than 70 countries. Gathering accurate data is crucial to combat industry claims and shape effective policies.
The WHO’s call to maintain and strengthen control policies underscores the importance of continued efforts to counter the influence of the tobacco industry and protect public health.
