World No Tobacco Day Should Protect Youth and Help the 1.3 Billion Adults Who Smoke
May 27, 2025 by thr101.org
World No Tobacco Day Should Protect Youth and Help the 1.3 Billion Adults Who Smoke
The World Health Organization's focus on protecting youth from tobacco industry influence during World No Tobacco Day overlooks the needs of the 1.3 billion adult smokers. Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of harm reduction products like e-cigarettes, the WHO continues to advocate for restricting access to these alternatives. While concerns about youth vaping are valid, data shows a decline in usage. The WHO's approach neglects the reasons why youth turn to vaping, such as stress relief. Prioritizing youth protection over adult harm reduction fails to address the complexities of smoking cessation. A shift towards acknowledging and supporting adult smokers in accessing all cessation options is essential for effective global tobacco control efforts.
