The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a global decline in adult tobacco consumption, but warned against the tobacco industry's efforts to reverse the trend.
In 2022, one in five adults worldwide were smoking or consuming tobacco derivatives, compared to one in three at the turn of the millennium, according to a new WHO report.
Data shows that 150 countries have successfully reduced tobacco usage since 2000, with further study projecting trends up to 2030.
A new WHO report shows that there are 1.25 billion tobacco users worldwide - that's 1 in 5 adults! But here’s the GOOD news 📢 Tobacco use is declining ↘️ despite the tobacco industry's attempts to jeopardise progress. Read more 👉https://t.co/b22N5V4XI5 #NoTobacco pic.twitter.com/g8JIFFwMGW
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 16, 2024
Despite smoking rates decreasing in most countries, the WHO warns that tobacco-related deaths are likely to remain high in the years to come.
Statistics reveal that smoking kills over eight million people annually, including roughly 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
Country surveys also show that children aged 13 to 15 are increasingly using tobacco and nicotine products. This year, the WHO will focus World No Tobacco Day on protecting children.
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Even though the number of smokers continues to decrease, the WHO believes the target of reducing tobacco consumption by 30% between 2010 and 2025 will not be met. Instead, it will only reach 25%.
However, 56 countries are on track to achieve this, with Brazil successfully reducing its tobacco consumption by 35% since 2010. On the other hand, six countries have seen an increase in tobacco usage since 2010: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman and Moldova.
