Amanze ChinonyeEvery year on May 31st, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its global partners observe “World No Tobacco Day,” a campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco consumption and advocate effective policies to reduce its consumption.
This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” puts a spotlight on how tobacco and nicotine industries continue to use manipulative and highly targeted marketing tactics to attract a new generation of users, young people.
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In a report released by WHO, the global health body raised the alarm over the increasing use of appealing product designs, enticing flavours, and glamorized advertising that disguises the serious health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products. These tactics, WHO warns, are not random, but are carefully crafted strategies aimed at wooing young consumers.
According to WHO statistics, in 2022 alone, an estimated six million adolescents in the Western Pacific Region used tobacco. This staggering number highlights a deepening public health crisis and reveals the growing vulnerability of young people to nicotine addiction. Despite such figures, only six countries worldwide have instituted comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. Even fewer have regulations on flavored products, one of the most popular entry points for young users.
In nations where electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) sales are legal, just three regulate the flavors available. As for traditional tobacco, only one country has imposed restrictions on flavoring. This regulatory vacuum has left millions of adolescents exposed to products that are not only harmful but deliberately designed to be appealing.
Nevertheless, some countries are pushing back. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic recently adopted plain packaging laws, stripping tobacco products of their glamorous branding. The Cook Islands revised their tobacco control laws to plug loopholes, and as of April 2025, 11 countries have now banned e-cigarettes entirely. The Cook Islands, Nauru, and Vietnam are among the latest to implement this critical health measure.
The WHO has issued a call to action urging governments to adopt stronger, more comprehensive policies to protect young people from the dangers of nicotine. These measures include banning all flavours, regulating product design to make tobacco less appealing, mandating plain packaging, banning all forms of advertising and sponsorship, increasing tobacco taxes to reduce accessibility, and investing in robust cessation support for those seeking to quit.
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World No Tobacco Day is more than a campaign, it is a clarion call to unmask the truth behind the glossy ads and sweet flavors. Tobacco companies are not just selling products; they are selling addiction, cleverly wrapped in youth-oriented branding.
The fight against tobacco is no longer just about public health; it’s about protecting future generations from calculated corporate exploitation. As young people become the primary targets of modern nicotine marketing, governments and societies must take decisive steps to counter these tactics. By prioritizing policy reforms, education, and regulation, the global community can break the cycle of youth-targeted tobacco consumption. It’s time to expose the smoke screen, and make the world a safer, healthier place for all.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
