Recent trends in 2022 have shown that approximately one in five adults across the globe are using tobacco products, a significant decrease compared to one in three in the year 2000. This reduction highlights a growing awareness of the dangers associated with tobacco consumption. While smoking remains the most prevalent form of tobacco use worldwide, other dangerous products include cigars, waterpipe tobacco (commonly known as hookah), and chewing tobacco. All of these forms pose serious health risks, contributing to a global public health crisis.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the so-called “tobacco epidemic” represents one of the most significant public health challenges ever faced, resulting in over 8 million deaths annually. Of these fatalities, more than 7 million are attributed to direct tobacco use, while approximately 1.3 million non-smokers tragically lose their lives due to exposure to secondhand smoke.

Effective Tobacco Control Measures Achieving Results

Globally, current estimates indicate that there are approximately 1.25 billion tobacco users, with about 150 countries successfully implementing measures to reduce usage rates among individuals aged 15 and older. Countries like Brazil and the Netherlands are leading the way, reaping the benefits from a program known as MPOWER, which focuses on six essential tobacco control strategies. These strategies include protecting the public from tobacco smoke, enforcing restrictions on marketing and sponsorship, increasing taxes on tobacco products, and providing support to individuals seeking to quit.

As a result of these efforts, Brazil has witnessed a remarkable 35 percent decline in tobacco use since 2010, while the Netherlands is on track to achieve its target of a 30 percent reduction in usage rates.

Tobacco Industry Prioritizing Profits Over Public Health

Dr. Ruediger Krech, the Director of WHO’s Department of Health Promotion, has acknowledged the “significant progress” made thus far but cautioned against complacency in the fight against tobacco use. He expressed his astonishment at the lengths to which the tobacco industry will go to maximize profits, often at the cost of countless lives. Dr. Krech stated, “The moment a government believes they have gained the upper hand against tobacco, the industry seizes the opportunity to manipulate health policies and market their harmful products.”

WHO has urged nations to continue implementing robust tobacco control initiatives and to remain vigilant against tobacco industry interference, emphasizing that the industry “continues to mislead the public” through various tactics, including front groups, third-party funding, sponsored events, social media influencers, and biased research.

Regional Tobacco Use Statistics and Trends

Currently, Southeast Asia holds the highest percentage of tobacco users at 26.5 percent, closely followed by Europe at 25.3 percent. Notably, tobacco use rates among women in Europe are more than double the global average and are declining at a significantly slower pace compared to other regions. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions.

Some countries have seen little change in tobacco prevalence since 2010, while others, including Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, and Moldova, are experiencing increases in usage rates. These trends signal the need for ongoing public health efforts to combat tobacco use globally.

Global Tobacco Reduction Goals: Challenges Ahead

According to WHO, the world is on track to achieve a 25 percent relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025, which falls short of the voluntary global target of a 30 percent reduction from the 2010 baseline. This goal may be more challenging to meet than previously anticipated.

Only 56 countries are projected to reach this target, a decrease from 60 since the last report three years ago. As the fight against tobacco continues, WHO has called on nations to intensify their efforts. The organization notes that strategies aimed at protecting health policies from increased tobacco industry interference have largely failed worldwide.

Furthermore, research consistently shows that children aged 13 to 15 in numerous countries are using tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, underscoring the need for effective prevention measures to protect the next generation.