The WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report reveals that the most striking gains have been in graphic health warnings, one of the key measures under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that make the harms of tobacco impossible to ignore.
It added that, “110 countries now require them – up from just 9 in 2007 – protecting 62 per cent of the global population; and 25 countries have adopted plain packaging.”
WHO warns, however, that enforcement is inconsistent, and smokeless tobacco packaging remains poorly regulated. The new report is accompanied by a new data portal that tracks country-by-country progress between 2007 and 2025.
Despite their effectiveness, 110 countries haven’t run anti-tobacco campaigns since 2022. However, 36 per cent of the global population now lives in countries that have run best-practice campaigns, up from just 19 per cent in 2022.
WHO urges countries to invest in message-tested and evaluated campaigns.
Taxes, quit services and advertising bans have been expanding, but many improvements are needed, it noted.
“Taxation: 134 countries have failed to make cigarettes less affordable. Since 2022, just three have increased taxes to the best-practice level.
“Cessation: Only 33 per cent of people globally have access to cost-covered quit services.
“Advertising bans: Best-practice bans exist in 68 countries, covering over 25 per cent of the global population.
“Around 1.3 million people die from second-hand smoke every year. Today, 79 countries have implemented comprehensive smoke-free environments, covering one-third of the world’s population. Since 2022, six additional countries (Cook Islands, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Uzbekistan) have adopted strong smoke-free laws, despite industry resistance, particularly in hospitality venues,” it highlighted.
It emphasised that there has been a growing trend to regulate the use of e-cigarettes or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, and the number of countries regulating or banning ENDS has grown from 122 in 2022 to 133 in 2024, a clear signal of increased attention to these products.
However, over 60 countries still lack any regulations on ENDS.
WHO is calling for urgent action in areas where momentum is lagging.
“Governments must act boldly to close remaining gaps, strengthen enforcement, and invest in the proven tools that save lives. WHO calls on all countries to accelerate progress on MPOWER and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against tobacco,” said the Director of Health Promotion, Dr. Ruediger Krech
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Hon. Chief C.O.C Akaolisa gets justice". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
