Global Efforts to Reduce Tobacco Usage: WHO Report

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.29.2024
Global Efforts to Reduce Tobacco Usage: WHO Report
WHO report shows global smoking rates have decreased over the past 20 years, but challenges remain, especially in Kazakhstan.

According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 28, the latest findings indicate that 150 countries worldwide have successfully reduced tobacco use in the past 20 years. The global smoking rate among adults has decreased from one-third to one-fifth. Brazil and the Netherlands have seen success in lowering smoking rates through implementing these measures, with Latin American countries experiencing a decline of 35% and European countries approaching their target of 30%.

 

According to Zhanar Karmakova, Deputy Chief of the National Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan, despite a 9% decrease in smoking rates in Kazakhstan in 2019 compared to 2014, the number of adult smokers in the country is still expected to reach 2.9 million, indicating persistent challenges.

 

According to reports, while smoking rates among men in Kazakhstan are decreasing, rates among women are increasing. The use of nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes, has caught the attention of young people. A national survey on the health behaviors of school-age children in Kazakhstan revealed that 9.8% of teenagers have tried e-cigarettes at least once. In order to protect the next generation, the World Health Organization has designated this year's World No Tobacco Day theme as intervention against the tobacco industry targeting children.

 

According to predictions, the European region of the World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to become the highest tobacco-consuming region globally by the year 2030, with the proportion of female smokers reaching twice the global average. In response, the WHO is strongly urging countries to enhance their tobacco control policies and strategies.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Arizona’s Operation Counter Strike Conducts 1,882 Tobacco Retailer Inspections in Fiscal 2025, Issues 451 Criminal Citations
Arizona’s Operation Counter Strike Conducts 1,882 Tobacco Retailer Inspections in Fiscal 2025, Issues 451 Criminal Citations
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the results of the Attorney General’s Office “Operation Counter Strike” program on March 9, 2026.
Mar.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alabama House Health Committee advances SB9 to restrict vaping in public spaces under Clean Indoor Air Act
Alabama House Health Committee advances SB9 to restrict vaping in public spaces under Clean Indoor Air Act
The Alabama House Health Committee passed Senate Bill 9 on Wednesday to restrict vaping in public areas under the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act. Introduced by Sen. Gerald Allen, SB9 would add vapes—defined as “electronic nicotine delivery systems”—to the forms of “smoking” currently prohibited in enclosed public places.
Feb.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France’s ANSES Report Reframes the Vape Debate: Harm Reduction Confirmed, Regulatory Barriers Rising
France’s ANSES Report Reframes the Vape Debate: Harm Reduction Confirmed, Regulatory Barriers Rising
France’s top health agency has confirmed that vaping is less harmful than smoking — but not risk-free — reshaping the country’s regulatory trajectory. As Paris withdraws a proposed vape tax and debates stricter ingredient, emissions and youth-protection rules, the ANSES report signals not prohibition, but tighter technical oversight. For manufacturers, retailers and EU policymakers, France may be previewing Europe’s next phase of nicotine governance.
Special Report
Feb.23
Multi-agency crackdown targets vape and convenience stores across Wirral, seizing illegal cigarettes and non-compliant pods
Multi-agency crackdown targets vape and convenience stores across Wirral, seizing illegal cigarettes and non-compliant pods
A multi-agency, intelligence-led enforcement operation took place on January 27, 2026, targeting vape and convenience stores across Wirral, including West Kirby, to disrupt the supply of illegal tobacco and vaping products. Six premises were inspected, with approximately 10,500 illegal cigarettes seized along with vape pods that were not in original packaging or did not meet UK regulatory requirements.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Faces Setback in India: Global Regulatory Fragmentation Complicates Its Smoke-Free Transition
PMI Faces Setback in India: Global Regulatory Fragmentation Complicates Its Smoke-Free Transition
India has reaffirmed its 2019 ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices, effectively blocking Philip Morris International (PMI) from launching IQOS in the country despite years of lobbying. Together with Taiwan, China’s conditional opening of heated tobacco products, and Japan’s planned 2026 excise tax hikes, these moves highlight increasingly divergent national regulatory pathways—an external uncertainty shaping PMI’s smoke-free growth trajectory.
Feb.12
Japan Tobacco Launches Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches in Japan; Nationwide Rollout Starts April 6
Japan Tobacco Launches Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches in Japan; Nationwide Rollout Starts April 6
Japan Tobacco (JT) has introduced the new Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch brand in Japan. The Cola Fizz Medium flavor began early sales on March 3, 2026 via the CLUB JT online shop, and will be rolled out sequentially from April 6 through nationwide channels including 7-Eleven, Lawson, and NewDays. The Berry Mix Medium flavor is expected to launch on CLUB JT around mid-March.
Mar.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai