Letsatsi Selikoe
TOBACCO remains a major cause of various non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, resulting in millions of preventable deaths worldwide.
It is also the leading cause of premature deaths worldwide, accounting for over seven million deaths annually.
This is according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in a statement issued ahead of the World No Tobacco Day tomorrow. The day is commemorated annually on 31 May.
This year’s day is commemorated under the theme: ‘Protecting children from tobacco industry interference’, emphasizing the need to safeguard future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and its impact on public health.
The WHO notes that tobacco use is a significant public health challenge, and that it is crucial to address it “to prevent these devastating consequences”.
According to the WHO, tobacco is the leading cause of premature deaths worldwide, accounting for over seven million deaths annually.
This staggering number translates to one death every six seconds, making tobacco a major public health crisis.
The organization emphasizes that the best way to combat these dangers, is by reducing tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoking.
Reads the statement, “The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the tobacco industry’s insidious tactics to target young people.”
The WHO further reports that the industry is using increasingly sophisticated marketing strategies to reach younger audiences, leveraging digital platforms and social media to promote their products.
This alarming trend is a major concern for global health experts, as it poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of future generations.
The tobacco industry’s manipulation of young people is a well-documented issue, the WHO said.
“They use tactics such as targeted advertising, sponsored events, and social media campaigns to reach their target audience,” it added.
“These tactics are often designed to appeal to young people’s sense of rebellion and independence, making them more susceptible to the dangers of tobacco.”
For example, some e-cigarette companies used social media influencers to promote their products, often targeting young people who are already at risk of addiction.
It was therefore essential to implement effective measures to prevent tobacco industry interference in the lives of the youth, the WHO said.
“This includes regulating the sale of tobacco products, restricting marketing and advertising, and increasing public awareness about the risks associated with tobacco use,” it said.
“Regulating the sale of tobacco products is a critical step in reducing youth access to these products. Governments can implement measures such as raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products, increasing taxes on tobacco products, and restricting the sale of these products in certain areas.”
Restricting marketing and advertising was also an important step in preventing tobacco industry interference.
The organisation recommended that governments ban or impose severe restrictions on all forms of tobacco advertising, including online advertising and sponsorships.
“Governments can also implement measures such as banning the display of tobacco products at point-of-sale and restricting the use of tobacco-related imagery in advertising,” it said.
Increasing public awareness about the risks associated with tobacco use, was another critical step in preventing tobacco industry interference, the WHO noted.
Public awareness campaigns could educate young people about the dangers of tobacco use, and encourage them to make informed decisions about their health.
The WHO also urged governments, policymakers, and civil society organizations to work together to protect children from the tobacco industry’s manipulation.
By doing so, the WHO said, “we can ensure a continued decline in tobacco use and create a healthier future for generations to come”.
World No Tobacco Day 2024 serves as a critical reminder of the importance of addressing tobacco use and preventing tobacco industry interference in youth’s lives.
By implementing effective measures to regulate the sale of tobacco products, restricting marketing and advertising, and increasing public awareness about the risks associated with tobacco use, “we can create a healthier future for all”.
“As we observe World No Tobacco Day 2024, it is crucial that we recognize the importance of this critical issue and take concrete steps to address it,” it said.
“By working together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against tobacco and protect the health and well-being of our children and future generations.”
Facts and Statistics:
– Tobacco is responsible for over 7 million deaths annually worldwide.
– One death occurs every six seconds due to smoking-related illnesses.
– The majority of smokers start smoking before they turn 18.
– The tobacco industry spends over $1 billion annually on marketing and advertising.
– The majority of e-cigarette users are under 25 years old.
– Second-hand smoke exposure causes over 1 million deaths annually worldwide.
