World No Tobacco Day is being observed globally today, highlighting the severe health hazards associated with tobacco use. This year’s theme, ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,’ aims to shed light on how tobacco companies continue to entice young consumers and perpetuate addiction under the guise of modernity and personal choice.
Tobacco remains a formidable global killer, claiming over 8 million lives annually and inflicting immense suffering through devastating diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory conditions.
In her message for World No Tobacco Day, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Eastern Mediterranean, underscored the urgency of the issue. She stated that tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and represents a major health challenge particularly within the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Dr. Balkhy further highlighted the concerning trend of the tobacco industry aggressively marketing new products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches directly to young people. These products, she warned, are highly addictive and harmful, posing serious risks to brain development and potentially leading to lifelong health problems.
The observance of World No Tobacco Day serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing fight against tobacco and nicotine addiction, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and public awareness campaigns to protect future generations from the industry’s pervasive influence.
