Just take a walk through any residential locality or commercial area, and you’ll quickly notice the large number of paan thelas (betel nut stalls) and kiosks. Step closer, and you’ll often find young students and people surrounded by thick clouds of cigarette smoke. With the rise of such informal “smoke zones,” the need to curb the growing attraction toward tobacco becomes even more urgent. Given the severe health implications of tobacco use, the importance of campaigning against it cannot be overstated. And what better time to begin than the upcoming World No Tobacco Day!
Every year on May 31, the world comes together to observe World No Tobacco Day, an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the devastating health effects of tobacco. The 2025 campaign focuses not only on the physical harm caused by tobacco products but also on the broader social and economic impacts they impose.
Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and stroke. It claims over 8 million lives annually worldwide, and millions more are exposed to harmful secondhand smoke, particularly children and vulnerable populations.
What Is World No Tobacco Day?
World No Tobacco Day is an annual global event aimed at:
· Raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and tobacco use.
· Encouraging people to quit tobacco for a healthier life.
· Urging governments to strengthen tobacco control policies, such as banning advertising, improving health warnings, and increasing taxes.
This day is a powerful reminder that quitting tobacco is one of the most effective steps individuals can take to improve their health and protect others from exposure.
Why Anti-Tobacco Awareness Matters
Tobacco doesn’t just harm the smoker — it affects entire communities. Secondhand smoke exposure causes thousands of deaths every year, and tobacco-related diseases impose massive healthcare costs on society.
Despite global efforts, tobacco and nicotine use among youth is rising, especially through e-cigarettes and flavoured products. Alarmingly, in Europe, adolescent e-cigarette use (12.5%) is two to three times higher than adult usage.
In India, the challenge is even bigger:
- 253 million tobacco users — second highest in the world.
- 1 million deaths annually attributed to tobacco use.
- 8.5% of Indian youth (13–15 years) reported tobacco use in 2019.
- Smokeless tobacco use is also widespread, including among schoolchildren.
India’s Tobacco Control Efforts
India has made significant strides:
- Banned e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) in 2019.
- Requires 85% graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging.
- Ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
Yet, enforcement gaps and low public awareness continue to challenge progress. Stronger implementation of policies and wider public health campaigns are urgently needed.
World No Tobacco Day 2025 Theme & Priorities
Now, coming back to the World No Tobacco Day, the theme this year centers around:
- Strengthening laws to curb tobacco and nicotine consumption.
- Supporting smokers with cessation tools — counseling, medication, and community support.
- Banning flavored tobacco and nicotine products that appeal to youth.
- Eliminating tobacco marketing, especially online, and increasing taxation.
The goal is clear: protect future generations from falling into the trap of addiction and reduce the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.
A Global Call to Action
World No Tobacco Day 2025 is not just about spreading awareness — it’s about taking action. Governments, healthcare providers, educators, NGOs, and individuals must work together to:
🔸 Hold the tobacco industry accountable.
🔸 Promote youth-focused education and cessation programs.
🔸 Empower communities to reject misleading marketing.
And most importantly stop following celebrities and public figures who endorse such tobacco products rather staying away by being more responsible.
Conclusion
World No Tobacco Day 2025 is a crucial reminder that we can break the cycle of addiction and safeguard public health. By uniting against the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry, pushing for stronger regulations, and supporting individuals on their quitting journey, we can create a future where fewer people suffer from preventable tobacco-related diseases. Efforts within the community or society should be rampant against the tobacco use should be propelled. Instead of celebrating this day symbolically by raising slogans on this big day, a concerted efforts should be put forth to make our generations free from this menace. Let’s join hands this May 31 — for our health, our communities, and a tobacco-free world.
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(Mohd Ziyauallah Khan is a freelance content writer based in Nagpur. He is also an activist, social entrepreneur, and the secretary of Professional Solidarity Forum – PSF Nagpur Chapter, a networking group for professionals within the community.)
