Key Points:
1.World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out that on the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, global smoking rates have decreased by one third.
2.Smoking causes over 8 million deaths annually, making tobacco the leading threat to public health.
3.Cigarettes remain the most common form of tobacco consumption globally, but other forms include hookah, cigars, mini cigars, hand-rolled cigarettes, pipe tobacco, bidis, and clove cigarettes.
4.The World Health Organization is facing financial constraints, but it is necessary to continue strengthening tobacco control policies and measures.
On May 19th, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated at the opening ceremony of the 78th World Health Assembly that global smoking rates have decreased by one-third since the official implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control 20 years ago. If smoking rates do not decrease, the number of smokers today will increase by 300 million.
During his speech, he praised countries such as Ivory Coast, Oman, and Vietnam for implementing stricter regulations last year, including plain packaging and restrictions on e-cigarettes. He pointed out the World Health Organization's new guidelines on waste and the expansion of the Africa Tobacco-Free Farm Initiative, which has supported thousands of farmers in transitioning to growing food crops.
According to data provided by the World Health Organization, tobacco use continues to be a significant threat to public health. Tobacco is responsible for over 8 million deaths each year, with more than 7 million of those deaths attributed to current or former smokers, and over 1.2 million deaths resulting from exposure to secondhand smoke among non-smokers.
The World Health Organization has stated that all forms of tobacco use are harmful to health and there is no safe level of consumption. While cigarettes remain the most common form of tobacco consumption globally, other forms include hookah, cigars, cigarillos, hand-rolled cigarettes, pipe tobacco, bidis, and kreteks.
Despite the effectiveness of tobacco control measures over the past 20 years, tobacco continues to pose a significant threat to public health. It is necessary to continue strengthening tobacco control policies and measures in order to further reduce smoking rates and lessen the harm to health.
In addition, Tedros also expressed concerns about the tight funding of the World Health Organization, contrasting its budget with global expenditures:
"21 billion dollars is equivalent to global military spending every eight hours; 21 billion dollars is equivalent to the cost of a stealth bomber – used for killing people; 21 billion dollars is equivalent to a quarter of the tobacco industry's annual advertising and promotion expenses. And yet, this is another product for killing."
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
