The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the tobacco industry’s predatory marketing tactics aimed at hooking the next generation of customers. In a recent report, the WHO reveals that an estimated 37 million youth aged 13-15 years worldwide are currently tobacco users.
The report highlights the tobacco industry’s calculated strategy to target young people, fostering a new wave of addiction to secure long-term profits. Shockingly, in many countries, the use of e-cigarettes among children surpasses that of adults.
While the report does not specifically address racial or ethnic disparities, it is crucial to acknowledge that marginalized communities often bear a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related health issues. Targeted marketing campaigns and lack of access to cessation resources can exacerbate these inequities.
The WHO is urging governments to take swift action to protect youth from manipulative tobacco marketing practices. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, emphasized the need for comprehensive policies to prevent the tobacco industry from preying on vulnerable populations.
As the tobacco epidemic continues to claim lives and strain healthcare systems worldwide, it is imperative that public health efforts prioritize the protection of youth and address the underlying social determinants of health that contribute to tobacco use disparities. The WHO’s call to action serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global cooperation in the fight against the tobacco industry’s relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of public health.
See “Hooking the next generation: how the tobacco industry captures young customers” (May 23, 2024)
