SURJIT FLORA
On May 31st, the global community comes together to observe World No Tobacco Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) is in charge of this significant initiative, which aims to spread knowledge about the negative effects of tobacco use and support effective tobacco control measures.
This annual event brings attention to the global health challenges caused by tobacco and emphasizes the importance of united efforts to address this preventable epidemic.
Tobacco use continues to be a significant contributor to global mortality and morbidity, resulting in over 8 million deaths every year. This remarkable figure encompasses more than 1.2 million individuals who do not smoke and are unfortunately subjected to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. It serves as a stark reminder of the wide-ranging impact of tobacco’s deadly consequences. The economic impact is also concerning, as countries face significant healthcare expenses and productivity declines caused by tobacco-related diseases.
World No Tobacco Day 2024’s theme is “Protecting children from tobacco industry involvement” to safeguard future generations and reduce tobacco usage. This year, emphasis is on the tobacco industry’s frightening youth marketing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), recent data reveals that a significant number of young individuals, between the ages of 13 and 15, are engaging in tobacco use.
In light of the considerable strides made in curbing tobacco consumption, the rise of e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco and nicotine products poses a concerning challenge to both young individuals and efforts to regulate tobacco use in Ontario
A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and STOP, titled “Hooking the Generation,” reveals that there are approximately 37 million children between the ages of 13 and 15 who use tobacco worldwide. Furthermore, the use of e-cigarettes among adolescents surpasses that of adults in numerous countries. According to the 2023 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, a significant number of students in grades 7 to 12 in Ontario have experimented with vaping devices, with 19% admitting to trying it at least once. Additionally, 6.6% of students reported trying tobacco cigarettes, albeit in small quantities, within the past year.
Tobacco and nicotine products pose significant health risks, particularly for young people. Tobacco products and vaping devices contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can have detrimental effects on brain development. Young people are especially susceptible, as their brains are still developing until the age of 25.
Quitting smoking is difficult, but worth it. Nicotine addiction, the main cause of tobacco use, is difficult to overcome. There are several ways to help people stop. Smokers may overcome addiction using behavioral therapy, nicotine replacement therapies, prescription drugs, and support groups.
Governments and public health groups help create a quitting-friendly atmosphere. Higher tobacco pricing, smoke-free regulations, simple packaging, and graphic health warnings have reduced tobacco use. Public awareness efforts on smoking’s risks and quitting’s advantages are essential to shifting societal norms and persuading smokers to seek treatment.
Despite these attempts, the tobacco industry remains a major hurdle. Tobacco corporations actively recruit new users, especially in low- and middle-income nations with lax restrictions, using large finances and clever marketing methods. The industry uses false advertising, event sponsorship, and scientific research to reduce smoking’s risks.
In order to address these challenges, it is crucial to have international cooperation and a strong political commitment.
More than 180 nations have ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which provides a comprehensive strategy for effectively reducing tobacco use. By following the FCTC’s guidelines and exchanging best practices, nations can enhance their tobacco control measures and safeguard public health.
On World No Tobacco Day, it is important to acknowledge the progress made in tobacco control and also recognize the work that still needs to be done. Stories of success from countries that have implemented strict tobacco control measures provide hope and inspiration. Countries such as Australia and Uruguay have experienced notable reductions in smoking rates as a result of their strong anti-tobacco measures.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton).
