World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31 each year, serves as a crucial reminder of the devastating effects of tobacco use and underscores the importance of ongoing global efforts to combat this pervasive public health crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use kills up to half of its users who do not quit, leading to more than 8 million deaths annually. This staggering figure includes approximately 1.3 million non-smokers who succumb to illnesses caused by second-hand smoke exposure.
The global impact of tobacco use is profound, ranking as one of the leading causes of death, illness, and impoverishment worldwide. Over 7 million of the annual deaths are directly attributable to tobacco use, while second-hand smoke is responsible for around 1.3 million fatalities each year. These statistics highlight the extensive reach of tobacco’s harm, affecting not only those who use tobacco products but also non-users exposed to its toxic effects.
A significant concern is that around 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illnesses and deaths is particularly heavy. In these regions, tobacco use exacerbates poverty by diverting household spending from essential needs such as food and shelter to tobacco products. The economic costs are substantial, encompassing healthcare expenses for treating tobacco-related diseases and the loss of human capital from tobacco-attributable morbidity and mortality.
In response to the tobacco epidemic, WHO Member States adopted the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2003, a landmark treaty aimed at reducing the demand for and supply of tobacco. Currently, 182 countries are parties to this treaty. The WHO MPOWER measures, aligned with the WHO FCTC, have been shown to save lives and reduce healthcare costs. These measures include monitoring tobacco use, protecting people from tobacco smoke, offering help to quit tobacco, warning about the dangers of tobacco, enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, and raising taxes on tobacco.
Effective surveillance is essential for understanding the tobacco epidemic and tailoring policies accordingly. Nearly half of the world’s population is regularly surveyed about their tobacco use, providing valuable data to guide public health initiatives. Protecting people from second-hand smoke is another critical measure. Second-hand smoke poses serious health risks, causing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. It kills around 1.3 million people annually. Comprehensive smoke-free laws in over 74 countries help protect a quarter of the global population from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Dr. Arindam Mukherjee Pulmonologists Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals Kolkata insists on “Supporting tobacco users to quit is vital, as many smokers wish to stop due to awareness of the health dangers. Counseling and medication can more than double the chances of successful quitting”. However, comprehensive cessation services are available in only 32 countries, covering roughly a third of the world’s population. Pictorial health warnings and mass media campaigns also play crucial roles in preventing tobacco use and encouraging cessation. Over half the world’s population lives in countries that enforce best practices for graphic health warnings, and 1.5 billion people live in countries that have recently aired strong anti-tobacco media campaigns.
The situation in India highlights the urgent need for robust anti-tobacco initiatives. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2016–17, 28.6% of Indian adults consume tobacco, with 42.4% of men and 14.2% of women using either smoked or smokeless forms. This high prevalence underscores the necessity for comprehensive measures to address tobacco use in the country.
World No Tobacco Day is a vital call to action against the tobacco epidemic. By implementing and enforcing comprehensive tobacco control measures, countries can save millions of lives and reduce the immense economic burden of tobacco-related diseases. Continued global cooperation and commitment are essential to achieving a tobacco-free world.