Decline in‌ Tobacco‌ Use: A Global Trend

The WHO global report demonstrates a positive trend: the number of⁤ tobacco users ⁣has decreased from 1.38 ‌billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. Since 2010, ⁤there has been‍ a reduction of 120 million‍ users,‍ representing‌ a 27% relative decline. Despite ​this ⁤progress, approximately one in‌ five adults​ worldwide (20%) ‍still use tobacco, contributing to millions of preventable deaths‌ annually.

Dr. Tedros adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO⁢ Director-General, stated, “Millions of people are stopping, or not taking up, tobacco use thanks to tobacco control efforts by‌ countries ‍around‍ the ‌world.” He also cautioned, “In response to ⁤this strong progress, the tobacco⁤ industry is fighting back wiht new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act‌ faster and stronger in implementing proven ​tobacco control policies.”

The Rise of E-Cigarettes ⁤and Nicotine Pouches

For the first time, the WHO has estimated global e-cigarette use, and the findings are concerning. More than 100 million people worldwide are now vaping, broken down as follows:

• Adults: At least 86 million users,⁣ predominantly in high-income countries.
• Adolescents: At least 15 ‍million children (ages 13-15) are currently using e-cigarettes.⁣ In countries with‌ available data, children are, on average, nine times more likely to vape ⁤than adults.

The​ tobacco industry is actively diversifying its product portfolio, introducing a continuous stream of new nicotine ‍delivery systems, including e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco⁤ products. These products pose significant health⁣ risks, particularly to‌ younger generations.

Etienne Krug, WHO Director of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention department, emphasized, “E-cigarettes are fuelling a new wave ‍of nicotine addiction.” He ⁤added, “They⁤ are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are ⁣hooking kids on ⁤nicotine⁣ earlier and risk ⁣undermining decades‌ of‍ progress.”

Gender Differences in Tobacco⁢ Cessation

The report highlights a notable gender ⁢difference in tobacco ⁣cessation⁣ rates. While both men and ​women have shown a decline in tobacco use across all age groups between 2000 and 2024,women have​ been more triumphant in quitting. Women achieved ‍the global reduction target of 30%​ for 2025 five ⁣years ahead‌ of schedule,​ reaching this milestone in 2020.

This faster rate of cessation among women is a ⁤positive development,​ but the overall impact of tobacco use remains ‍substantial. Continued efforts are needed to ⁣address ⁢tobacco ‌addiction in all⁤ populations.

Global Tobacco use ‍Prevalence (2000-2024)