Latest news with #WorldNoTobaccoDay2025
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Region has highest youth smoking rate in the world: WHO
Cairo, Egypt – The Eastern Mediterranean Region has the highest youth smoking rate in the world, according to World Health Organization Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy. 'We must act to protect the next generation. Let us stand together and make it crystal clear. No more tricks. No more traps. Let's unite for a tobacco-free future,' she said on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2025, held on Saturday under the banner 'Bright Products. Dark Intentions'. This year's theme sheds light on the tobacco industry's tactics to lure women and young people into addiction through flavoured and colourful products. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death globally, with the Eastern Mediterranean Region bearing a significant burden. The region has the highest smoking rates among adolescent boys, with countries like Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt ranking among the highest globally. The promotion of new nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, has led to higher dependency rates among vulnerable groups, WHO stated. Globally, 37mn children aged 13–15 years use tobacco. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, smoking rates in some areas have reached 43% among adolescent boys (aged 13–15 years) and 20% among adolescent girls. The highest prevalence of tobacco use among boys is recorded in the occupied Palestinian territory (West Bank) at 43.3%, followed by Jordan at 33.9% and Syria at 31.6%. Alarmingly, the gap in tobacco use between men and women is narrowing, with more women and girls taking up smoking, exposing them to health risks such as cervical cancer, osteoporosis and fertility issues.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
On World No Tobacco Day experts flag concerns about illegal promotion of new-age gateway devices endangering adolescents and the youth
On the occasion of WHO (World Health Organisation) World No Tobacco Day 2025, experts at a seminar raised serious concerns about the illegal promotion of new-age gateway devices endangering the lives of adolescents and the youth across India. The event was organised in line with the theme of the Day - Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products, Mothers Against Vaping. The experts also reinforced their commitment to spreading awareness and take decisive action against the growing threat of vapes, e-cigarettes, and other HTPs (Heated Tobacco Products). In the event, Dr Avinash Sunthlia – Deputy Additional Director General (DADG), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India said 'Why is the industry using new tactics to attract our youth? Because the industry needs new users to consume these new devices so that they can be turned into lifelong consumers. Hence, despite the ban on these products through the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, producers have found ways to circumvent the laws and promote e-cigarettes and vapes. They also market these devices as safer alternatives for smoking cessation, but it is about recruiting new users for a lifetime of dependence,' 'To spread awareness we have issued comprehensive guidelines for schools, initiated capacity-building programmes for teachers, and are working closely with influencers and digital creators to speak up about the dangers of vaping. We've also launched an online reporting platform that empowers everyday citizens to flag violations related to the sale or promotion of these banned devices so that prompt action can be taken. I'd like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mothers Against Vaping for their unwavering commitment and advocacy on this critical issue', added Dr. Sunthlia. The seminar was organised at the Indian International Centre, New Delhi by Mothers Against Vaping, a united front of concerned mothers combating the escalating vaping crisis among our youth. In the event, various experts put the spotlight on the role of promotions in targeting a new generation of young users through new-age gateway devices even as Mothers Against Vaping released a report titled 'Unmasking the Appeal – How Vapes & E-Cigarettes Continue to be Promoted Unabated in India'. Jaspal Singh, Special Commissioner of Police for Protective Security, Delhi, in his keynote address, said, 'Vapes are more dangerous than cigarettes because through such devices, one can even consume hard drugs. Based on my experience, several users have confessed to using vaping equipment for hard drug intake. What makes the threat more dangerous is the way these products are promoted. Manufacturers and sellers use tactics like influencer marketing on social media to glamorise these devices and target young users while avoiding direct accountability and prosecution.' 'There has to be a proper coordination between customs authorities, police authorities, transporter associations and even courier agencies to stem the rising tide of e-cigarettes and vapes. Also important is public involvement, but for that to happen, citizens need to be aware that these devices are banned in India. Therefore, it is critical that the government launch strong awareness campaigns to inform people about the illegality and dangers of these devices", added Singh Padma Jaiswal - IAS, Secretary to the Government of the Union Territory of Puducherry, said, 'I would really like to acknowledge the great effort done by Mothers Against Vaping. I believe that such a kind of initiative and prioritisation has not been done by any civil society organisation earlier towards generating awareness of the issue.' 'The government has made the law banning vaping and e-cigarettes because it has seen from its own data that most of the users who are being affected by vaping are the adolescents who are in the schools and colleges. Being a mother myself, I am aware that vaping is rampant and the habit leaves a strong impact among the adolescents and the youth. They are attracted to these devices because they are promoted as a luxury, a style statement with the narrative that it is neither harmful nor punitive. Therefore, we need to raise the awareness that these electronic devices are banned in India,' Ms Jaiswal added. On the occasion, Mothers Against Vaping also released investigative report exposing the alleged covert strategies employed by global vaping and e-cigarette brands to infiltrate India's digital landscape, circumventing the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) of 2019. Despite the ban, these entities exploit media loopholes, leveraging digital platforms, influencer marketing, and surrogate advertising to glamorise their products . The comprehensive analysis reveals a disturbing trend: the deliberate targeting of Indian youth through social media channels. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are inundated with content portraying vaping as a trendy, harmless lifestyle choice. Influencers, often with substantial followings, are co-opted to promote these products, masking their dangers under the guise of modernity and sophistication. Influencers have emerged as stealth marketers—turning reels, reviews, and jokes into powerful tools of vape promotion. From casual endorsements masked as lifestyle content to creative smoke tricks that mimic skill, the influencer ecosystem plays a crucial role in making vaping look aspirational, trendy, and even humorous. Despite the ban, India's digital and informal markets continue to thrive in brazen defiance of the ban. Hence, the report provides for a number of recommendations as below: Immediate Actions To Stop Promotion of Vapes and E-Cigarettes Coordinate Enforcement Efforts: Establish robust coordination between cybercrime units, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies to proactively monitor and identify violative digital content and actors. Initiate Legal Proceedings against Violators: Launch immediate legal action under relevant provisions of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA) and other applicable laws. Dismantle Digital Channels: Identify and issue directives for taking down social media pages, handles, and websites that promote vapes. Issue Platform Wide Directives: Direct social media companies, technology platforms and digital marketplaces, including domain service providers, to comply with Indian law by proactively detecting and preventing promotion of these banned products. Initiate action against Manufacturers and Sources: Pursue action against manufacturers, importers, and distributors who make these dangerous products available for sale. Recommendations from the report:
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Anti Tobacco Forum opposes reported launch of nicotine-laced candies, toffees, and ice creams
Anti Tobacco Forum (ATF), Mysuru, has opposed the reported launch of nicotine-laced candies, toffees, and ice creams by the tobacco industry in different parts of the world. In a statement issued on the eve of 'World No Tobacco Day 2025' on the theme 'Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products', Vasanthkumar Mysoremath, convenor of ATF, Mysuru, said the nicotine-laced products launched by tobacco industry have emerged as the newest threat to public health from tobacco that is already claiming a large number of deaths worldwide. Designed to make the children and youth of today addicted to tobacco, these nicotine-laced products should be banned by the authorities like e-cigarettes, said Mr. Mysoremath. 'Tobacco industry is aiming at turning children into addicts to increase profits,' said Mr. Mysmoremath, while pointing out that WHO expects to create awareness in the minds of children/adults about the harmful effects of consuming tobacco products and wants countries to adopt stronger policies, including a ban on flavours that make tobacco and nicotine products more appealing for protecting public health. Pointing out tobacco kills 8 million people annually, he said tobacco consumption leads to various non-communicable diseases like cancer, blood pressure, lung infection, asthma, etc. Mr. Mysoremath regretted that many governments of signatory countries to the WHO-sponsored Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) are found to be adopting dual standards in implementing the guidelines prescribed in FCTC. 'Some countries even subsidise tobacco cultivation by financing through supply of implements, concessions for fertilizers, easy loans through government banks, procuring excess grown tobacco by licensed and unlicensed growers, insurance money of policy holders invested in tobacco companies, elected political leaders assuring tobacco farmers to continue to grow quality tobacco and participating in events organised by tobacco farmers association and tobacco industry,' he said. 'Why is cultivation, production, and supply system of tobacco not being efficiently controlled is the big question?', he asked and wondered why the authorities, who had the discretion to either withdraw or cancel the permits and sanctions to grow tobacco and start tobacco products manufacturing facility,were not doing so. In order to help farmers give up tobacco farming and become debt-free, Mr. Mysoremath sought the creation of a corpus from the Budget or seek international funding and clear the outstanding loans of farmers as a one-time tobacco control measure and withdraw their licenses to cultivate tobacco with an affidavit that they will adopt alternate crops. 'This way, it is possible to effectively control the raw material supply to the tobacco industry,' he said.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Health
- India Gazette
WHO urges members to curb tobacco consumption under
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): World No Tobacco Day, marked annually on 31 May, addresses a major public health challenge--the persistent burden of tobacco use. This year's theme, 'Unmasking the Appeal' compels us to expose the deceptive marketing tactics and manipulative strategies employed by the tobacco industry, especially those targeting our youth and women, a statement by Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia said. Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of death worldwide and is a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illness. Our Region continues to bear a mammoth share of the global tobacco burden, with some 411 million adult tobacco users across our eleven countries. With one-third of the world's tobacco users, South-East Asia is the epicentre of the global tobacco epidemic. Most concerning is the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, with the Region accounting for over 280 million users, or 77% of the global total, the statement said. The statement says, despite these alarming figures, we have reason to be hopeful. Between 2000 and 2022, tobacco use among adult men and women in the region declined from 68.9% to 43.7%, and from 33.5% to 9.4%, respectively. These significant reductions are the result of sustained, evidence-based tobacco control efforts led by governments, civil society, and public health advocates. Our collective resolve is paying off. We are on track to meet the NCD Global Target of a 30% relative reduction in tobacco use prevalence by 2025 among people aged 15 years and older, compared to 2010 levels. In fact, we are projected to achieve a 34% reduction, a rare and remarkable accomplishment. However, these gains must not breed complacency, the statement read. Tobacco remains an ever-evolving and formidable threat. We now face aggressive industry marketing of new and emerging nicotine and tobacco products (NENTPs) -- such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and flavoured nicotine pouches. These are being disguised as safer alternatives and deliberately targeted at children and adolescents. An estimated 11 million adolescents aged 13-15 years are already addicted to tobacco products in our region, nearly 30% of the global total in this age group. The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2025 urges us to unmask these dangerous industry ploys. Flavoured nicotine and tobacco products, attractive packaging, influencer endorsements on social media, and misleading health claims are tools of manipulation designed to recruit new users and keep existing users addicted. The statement called on the countries to take bold actions, including: strengthening implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and MPOWER provisions, enforcing comprehensive bans on NENTPs, expanding quality tobacco cessation services, and protecting health policies from tobacco industry interference in line with Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC. The list further added- countering surrogate advertising and misleading promotion of smokeless tobacco and arecanut products, and investing in youth-led campaigns, peer education, and school health programs to build tobacco resistance and prevent initiation. WHO urged its Member States to invest in disaggregated data collection, strengthen research on local tobacco trends and their determinants, and enhance the enforcement of tobacco control laws on the ground to close regulatory loopholes and stay ahead of evolving industry malpractices. The WHO says, Tobacco use not only kills prematurely -- it deepens poverty, damages the environment, and burdens families and health systems. This World No Tobacco Day is a call for vigilance and action. Let us work together to 'unmask the appeal' of tobacco in all its forms and reveal its true face: disease, death, and despair. Together, we can create a future where our children live free from the shadow of tobacco and enjoy healthier, longer lives. (ANI)
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
No Tobacco Day: Experts warn of youth-targeted vaping ads using influencers and misleading claims
CHENNAI: Health experts, bureaucrats and social scientists have voiced grave concerns over the strategic marketing of vaping devices to school and college students through digital influencers, surrogate advertising, and misleading safety claims. Speaking at a seminar titled "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products", held in New Delhi on Thursday ahead of the World Health Organization's World No Tobacco Day 2025, experts highlighted the illegal promotion and increasing use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products (HTPs) among adolescents in India. This surge persists despite a nationwide ban under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019. Targeting Youth Through Gateway Devices The industry is reportedly exploiting social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to glamorise vaping as a trendy and safe lifestyle choice. According to individuals familiar with these tactics, covert promotional strategies—including the use of coded language like 'aroma sticks' and 'flavor drops'—along with influencer partnerships, are being used to bypass legal restrictions. As a result, online marketplaces and informal distribution networks continue to facilitate the sale of these products in defiance of the law, experts noted. Dr. Avinash Sunthlia, Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Health, outlined ongoing efforts to combat this trend. These include school awareness programs, influencer engagement, and the launch of an online reporting platform. He emphasized the growing number of cases involving the deliberate recruitment of new consumers through glamorized promotions. Special Commissioner of Police Jaspal Singh warned that vapes pose an even greater threat than cigarettes, citing their potential use for consuming hard drugs. He called for coordinated action among law enforcement, customs officials, transporters, and courier services to curb the illegal distribution of vaping products. Padma Jaiswal, a senior bureaucrat in the Government of Puducherry, applauded the civil initiative led by Mothers Against Vaping (MAV), the NGO that organized the seminar. She emphasized the need for greater public awareness, especially among parents and youth, about the legal status and health risks of vaping.
