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May 31, 2024 – Southeast Asia, including India, holds the grim title of the world’s highest number of adult tobacco users, according to Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director. Speaking on the eve of World No Tobacco Day, Wazed highlighted the region’s critical situation, with approximately 411 million adult tobacco users and a troubling 11 million adolescent users.
Observed annually on May 31, World No Tobacco Day was established in 1987 by the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States. The day aims to raise awareness about the global tobacco epidemic and its preventable health consequences.
“The fight against tobacco is particularly important for us in Southeast Asia,” Wazed emphasized. “The tobacco industry’s targeting of youth is rampant across our Member States. As a result, we have a very worrying 11 million adolescents using various tobacco products.”
This year’s theme, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” underscores the urgent need to shield young people from the aggressive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. Wazed expressed concern over the introduction of new nicotine and tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, which are designed to attract younger consumers.
“Young people across the world are calling for the tobacco industry to stop targeting them with products that are harmful to their health,” she said. “Governments must adopt policies to protect them from the manipulative practices of tobacco and related industries, which includes the relentless marketing of their dangerous products through social media and streaming platforms.”
Despite existing policies and regulations, these new tobacco products are gaining popularity among the youth in Southeast Asia. Wazed noted that social media and other platforms exacerbate this issue. “The tobacco industry moves with speed to launch new products, using every means to expand market share before regulations can catch up,” she said. “They continue to oppose evidence-based measures, such as increases in excise taxes, and comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotions, and sponsorships. They even threaten legal action against governments that try to protect the health of their citizens.”
Wazed pointed out the “lagging” efforts by governments and institutions to combat the tobacco industry’s marketing strategies. She called for a generational tobacco ban, aiming to create a ‘Tobacco-Free Generation.’
“Our goal for our youth is clear. We want to prevent and reduce tobacco consumption, nicotine addiction, and exposure to new tobacco products,” Wazed concluded.
As the world observes World No Tobacco Day, the call to action in Southeast Asia is more urgent than ever. The region must strengthen its efforts to protect its youth from the harms of tobacco, ensuring a healthier future for the coming generations.
