World No Tobacco Day 2025: WHO Raises Alarm Over Increasing Use of Tobacco/Nicotine Products Among Children, Adolescents

"Over 146 000 people die from tobacco-related causes in the African Region each year." Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu.

.... Says "despite decades of progress in tobacco control, the industry continues to reinvent its approach, using flavoured products, sleek packaging and targeted digital marketing to attract new users, especially among the youth. These strategies mask the dangers of tobacco, presenting it as modern or glamorous, making it easier to start, and harder to stop."

As the global community commemorate the 2025 World No Tobacco Day, the Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu has raised an alarm following the growing concern across the African continent, the increasing use of tobacco and nicotine products amongst children and adolescents.

According to Dr. Ihekweazu, "This year’s theme, Unmasking the Appeal" calls for urgent action to protect young people from harmful industry tactics that threaten their health and future.

He noted that, "despite decades of progress in tobacco control, the industry continues to reinvent its approach, using flavoured products, sleek packaging and targeted digital marketing to attract new users, especially among the youth. These strategies mask the dangers of tobacco, presenting it as modern or glamorous, making it easier to start, and harder to stop.

"The consequences are serious. Over 146 000 people die from tobacco-related causes in the African Region each year. Today, more than 61 million people in the region use tobacco. Especially concerning is the increasing prevalence of use among adolescents aged 13 to 15. Over 6% in this age group are already using tobacco products, many drawn in by misleading designs and messages.

"Adolescents are particularly vulnerable. The developing brain is more susceptible to nicotine-addiction and its long-term effects, including impaired cognitive development. Early use increases the risk of chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions and cancer. And for many, quitting becomes an uphill battle." Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu,Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, stated.

Dr. Ihekweazu further noted that, "As guardians of health, we all have a role to play. Governments, schools, families and communities must work together to ensure that the environments in which our children grow are free from tobacco exposure and influence. This includes updating laws to reflects today’s challenges, and strengthening protections against emerging products and platforms.

"Across the region, many countries are taking important steps, including banning tobacco advertising, creating smoke-free public spaces and promoting awareness. WHO is proud to support Member States in advancing these efforts, including through the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and MPOWER package of measures." He said 

He pointed out that, "Still, more must be done to stay ahead of evolving tactics that target young people. We must:

· Ban flavours and product designs that appeal to young users.

· Regulate digital advertising and sponsorship on youth platforms.

· Ensure product packaging does not imitate snacks or toys.

· Provide age-appropriate education and information to support healthy choices.

Dr. Ihekweazu emphasized that "Protecting the next generation is both a public health priority and a moral imperative".  

The WHO Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu concluded his message this by saying; "On this World No Tobacco Day, let us recommit to creating a tobacco-free future where every young person in Africa can grow up safe, healthy and empowered."

Learn more:

·  146 000 Africans die of tobacco-related diseases annually - WHO - IOL

· Tobacco Control | WHO | Regional Office for Africa

· Stronger control efforts help to lower tobacco use in African region

· WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2025

· Mauritius is first in Africa to adopt WHO full-scale tobacco control measures

· Switching from tobacco yields benefits for farmers in Malawi.