📰 World No Tobacco Day 2025: WHO Urges Youth to Break Free from Tobacco Influence

📅 Published: May 31, 2025

🌍 May 31 Marks World No Tobacco Day: A Global Call to Quit Smoking

Every year on May 31, the world observes World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), led by the World Health Organization (WHO). This global health awareness day aims to highlight the deadly effects of tobacco use and push for policies that help reduce its consumption.

In 2025, the campaign focuses on empowering youth to resist tobacco industry influence and raising awareness about nicotine addiction, especially through newer forms like e-cigarettes and vaping.

🚭 Tobacco: A Global Health Threat

According to WHO, tobacco is responsible for more than 8 million deaths every year, including 1.3 million from second-hand smoke exposure. Despite decades of anti-tobacco campaigns, millions of people—especially in low- and middle-income countries—remain at risk.

“Tobacco continues to kill at an alarming rate,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This year, we call on governments to protect youth from the deceptive tactics of tobacco and nicotine industries.”

📌 Theme for 2025: “Protecting Youth from Tobacco Industry Interference”

This year’s theme spotlights the aggressive marketing strategies of tobacco and e-cigarette companies targeting younger generations. From social media promotions to flavored products, the industry has adapted its tactics to appeal to teens and young adults.

WHO urges:

Stronger bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

Awareness programs in schools and communities.

Support systems to help young people quit smoking and vaping.

🧠 Key Facts on Tobacco Use:

Tobacco use causes 90% of all lung cancer cases.

Smoking is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and infertility.

E-cigarettes and vapes still contain addictive nicotine and harmful chemicals.

Passive smoking kills thousands of children each year.

📢 Global Actions & Local Impact

Countries like India, Australia, and several EU nations have introduced plain packaging laws, pictorial health warnings, and public smoking bans — resulting in visible declines in tobacco use.

In India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a statement urging citizens to “say no to tobacco in all forms” and announced school-level awareness drives across the country.

💬 Voices for Change

Activists, doctors, teachers, and celebrities joined the call for a tobacco-free generation.
One survivor, Anjali Mehta, shared:

“Quitting tobacco saved my life. I urge everyone, especially young people, to never start.”

✅ How You Can Participate

Share facts and awareness messages on social media using hashtags like #WorldNoTobaccoDay and #QuitTobacco

Support or start anti-tobacco campaigns in your school, office, or locality

Encourage smokers around you to seek help to quit — every step counts

📌 Conclusion: A Day to Choose Life Over Tobacco

World No Tobacco Day is not just a campaign; it’s a reminder that every life matters. Quitting tobacco is not only possible — it’s life-saving. As the WHO puts it, “Choose health, not tobacco.”