WHO Warns of Growing Nicotine Threat to African Children

"While Africa has made significant progress in tobacco control through stronger regulations, taxation, smoke-free policies and cessation services, emerging nicotine products and industry interference now pose serious threats." Janabi WHO Regional Director for Africa

..... Says "tobacco companies increasingly use flavours, sweeteners, menthol, colourful packaging, social media campaigns and influencer marketing to make nicotine products appealing to young people."

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that aggressive tactics by the tobacco and nicotine industry could undermine decades of public health gains in Africa, particularly through the targeting of children and young people.

In a message to mark World No Tobacco Day 2026, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, said nicotine addiction is deliberately engineered by manufacturers through product designs and marketing strategies aimed at attracting new users and ensuring long-term dependence.

Speaking on the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” Janabi noted that while Africa has made significant progress in tobacco control through stronger regulations, taxation, smoke-free policies and cessation services, emerging nicotine products and industry interference now pose serious threats.

He said tobacco companies increasingly use flavours, sweeteners, menthol, colourful packaging, social media campaigns and influencer marketing to make nicotine products appealing to young people.

According to WHO, nearly nine out of ten adult smokers began using tobacco before the age of 18, making adolescents a primary target for the industry. Janabi warned that nicotine exposure during adolescence can lead to long-term addiction and negatively affect brain development.

With more than 60 per cent of Africa’s population under 25, he stressed the need for urgent action to protect young people from what he described as “engineered nicotine addiction.”

The WHO chief urged governments to tighten regulations on tobacco and nicotine products, ban flavourings and additives that attract young users, close regulatory loopholes, and shield public health policies from industry influence.

He also reiterated that no tobacco or non-therapeutic nicotine product is safe, calling on governments, parents, educators, civil society groups and young people to unite against deceptive industry practices and safeguard future generations.