Since 1988, the World Health Organization (WHO) has marked May 31 each year as World No Tobacco Day, drawing attention to the health risks of tobacco use and urging governments to strengthen policies aimed at reducing consumption.

Axar.az reports, citing WHO, this year’s campaign is being held under the theme “Unmasking the appeal — countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,” with a focus on protecting young people from tobacco and nicotine dependence.

The WHO warned that tobacco and nicotine industries continue to deliberately design and market products to appeal to teenagers and young people, making them more attractive, easier to use, and harder to quit.

“Tobacco use causes millions of preventable deaths every year and is a leading driver of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses,” the statement said.

Globally, more than 1.2 billion people use tobacco and nicotine products, including hundreds of millions of adults and adolescents, with a particularly high burden in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

The organization also highlighted that tobacco and nicotine products are increasingly being redesigned and promoted through innovations such as electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and synthetic nicotine devices, often using flavours, digital marketing, and product design strategies aimed at attracting younger users.

The WHO called on governments to close regulatory gaps around emerging nicotine products, strengthen bans on advertising and flavouring, and fully implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and its MPOWER measures.

It also urged stronger efforts to equip young people with the knowledge and support needed to resist industry influence and access cessation assistance, stressing that addiction can be overcome.