World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed around the world every year on 31 May. It is organised to raise awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption worldwide.
The theme of World No Tobacco Day in 2024 canterson “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference.” Children are using e-cigarettes at rates higher than adults in all regions and globally an estimated 37 million youth aged 13-15 years use tobacco. Tobacco is a global paediatric concern. Tobacco has major adverse consequences for children.
Every day an estimated 82000 to 99000 young people start smoking; many are children under the age of 10 and most reside in low- or middle-income countries.
According to WHO, Globally, tobacco is marketed to children; the tobacco industry recognizes that new smokers must be recruited to replace those who quit or die from tobacco-related diseases. Young children are targeted by hiring Influencers and sponsoring events. Promote e-cigarettes as “Less Harmful” to push sales.Furthermore, poor children in developing countries are frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide essential family income. Children in tobacco farming are often exposed to highly toxic pesticides.WHO says the tobacco industry’s predatory and crooked marketing to youth seems to be endless, as the industry continues to introduce and promote products that appeal to and attract youth.
India has introduced comprehensive e-cigarette bans focused on protecting youth from vaping-related harm. Despite these bans, young people appear to be a relatively high user group.
One of the most important things a child can do to prepare for a healthy life is not use nicotine or tobacco. Also there are ‘actionable steps’ that pediatricians, parents, and communities can take to break this cycle and protect children and families.
Author: Dr Sameer Arbat, MBBS, MD, FCCP
Chair, Media Committee, World Association for Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology (WABIP)
Interventional Pulmonologist & Director , One Healthcare, Nagpur, India