Global Tobacco Use Declines, But new Challenges Emerge
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals notable progress in reducing global tobacco use between 2000 and 2024, yet highlights emerging threats, particularly from novel nicotine products. While the world is nearing a key tobacco reduction target, the pace is slowing, and new forms of addiction are taking hold.
global tobacco use has decreased by 27% – falling short of the 30% reduction goal set for 2025 by approximately 50 million users. The report, based on data from over 2000 national surveys covering 97% of the world’s population, shows a marked difference in progress between genders.
Women Lead the Way in Quitting
Women are driving the decline in tobacco use, achieving the 30% reduction target five years ahead of schedule in 2020. Prevalence among women dropped from 11% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2024, representing a decrease from 277 million to 206 million female tobacco users.
men, though, are lagging behind. They are not projected to reach the 30% reduction goal until 2031. Currently, over four-fifths of global tobacco users are men, totaling nearly 1 billion individuals. While male prevalence has decreased from 41.4% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2024, the rate of decline is insufficient.
Regional Variations in Tobacco Use
The report details significant regional differences:
* South-East Asia: Experienced the most dramatic decline, nearly halving male prevalence from 70% in 2000 to 37% in 2024. This region accounts for over half of the global reduction in tobacco use.
* Africa: Currently has the lowest prevalence at 9.5% in 2024 and is on track to meet the 30% target, but population growth is leading to an increase in the number of tobacco users.
* Americas: Achieved a 36% relative reduction,with prevalence at 14% in 2024,though data availability remains a concern in some countries.
* Europe: Now the region with the highest prevalence globally, at 24.1% in 2024. European women have the highest prevalence rate worldwide, at 17.4%.
* Eastern Mediterranean: Prevalence stands at 18%,with tobacco use increasing in certain countries within the region.
* Western Pacific: Progress is the slowest in this region, with prevalence decreasing from 25.8% in 2010 to 22.9% in 2024. Men in this region have the highest prevalence globally, at 43.3%, while women have a very low prevalence of 2.5%.
The Rise of New Nicotine Products
The WHO report also expresses concern over the tobacco industry’s introduction of new products, including e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products. These are being marketed as alternatives, but the WHO warns they risk creating a new generation of nicotine addicts. “E-cigarettes are fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction,” stated Etienne Krug, WHO Director of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention Department. ”They are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.”
Call for Stronger Action
The WHO is urging governments to strengthen tobacco control measures. Key recommendations include full implementation of the MPOWER package and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control,closing loopholes exploited by the tobacco and nicotine industries,and regulating new nicotine products. Raising tobacco taxes, banning advertising, and expanding access to cessation services are also crucial steps.
“Nearly 20% of adults still use tobacco and nicotine products. We cannot let up now,” said Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Care. ”The world has made gains, but stronger, faster action is the only way to beat the tobacco epidemic.”
