Accelerate tobacco and e-cigarette control measures: WHO

The World Health Organization urges intensified efforts in South-East Asia Region to control high tobacco and e-cigarette use, which remains a major health risk. Despite a decline in tobacco use, the region still has the highest tobacco consumption globally. Measures are essential to combat e-cigarettes, especially among youth. Countries like Thailand report a rise in e-cigarette use, with co-use of traditional cigarettes. WHO supports policies to deter tobacco and e-cigarette industry interference and protect the health of over 2 billion people in the region. Progress has been made, with several countries banning or regulating e-cigarettes and reducing tobacco use, aiming to meet NCD targets by 2025.