Why is urgent action needed to ban flavoured tobacco and nicotine products?
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Synopsis
The WHO has issued a strong call to action for governments to prohibit flavoured tobacco and nicotine products, primarily targeting youth. This alarming trend poses significant health risks and must be addressed swiftly, especially as World No Tobacco Day approaches.
Key Takeaways
- WHO calls for urgent prohibition of flavoured tobacco products.
- Flavours mask the harshness of tobacco, attracting youth.
- Over 50 countries have banned flavoured tobacco.
- Flavoured products contribute to significant health risks.
- Immediate action is crucial to combat youth addiction.
New Delhi, May 30 (NationPress) The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for immediate action to prohibit flavoured tobacco and nicotine products that are increasingly masquerading as safer options and are specifically aimed at children and teenagers. This announcement was made on Friday, just before World No Tobacco Day.
Every year, World No Tobacco Day is commemorated on May 31. The theme for this year is "Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal," which highlights the hidden dangers of tobacco products that are designed to appear attractive through appealing flavours, striking packaging, influencer promotions on social media, and misleading health claims.
The WHO urged governments to take swift action to ban all flavours in tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes, pouches, hookahs, and e-cigarettes, to safeguard the youth against addiction and health issues.
Products such as menthol, bubble gum, and cotton candy hide the harshness of tobacco and nicotine, transforming toxic products into enticing options for the youth.
These flavours not only complicate quitting tobacco but have also been associated with severe lung diseases.
“Flavours are fueling a new wave of addiction and must be banned. They undermine decades of advancements in tobacco control,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.
Currently, over 50 countries have prohibited flavoured tobacco, and more than 40 nations have also banned the sale of e-cigarettes. Five countries specifically outlaw disposable e-cigarettes, while seven have banned e-cigarette flavours. However, flavoured accessories largely remain unregulated.
Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, indicated that approximately 11 million adolescents aged 13-15 are already addicted to tobacco products in the region, which is nearly 30 percent of the global total for this age group.
“We are now confronted with aggressive marketing from the industry promoting new and emerging nicotine and tobacco products (NENTPs) — such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and flavoured nicotine pouches. These are being presented as safer alternatives, explicitly targeting children and teenagers,” Wazed explained.
Tobacco use remains the most preventable cause of death globally and is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses.
“Without decisive measures, the global tobacco epidemic, which currently claims around 8 million lives each year, will continue to be propelled by addiction disguised with appealing flavours,” Ghebreyesus warned.
Point of View
I believe that the WHO's urgent plea to ban flavoured tobacco products reflects a critical need to protect our youth from the dangers of addiction. With a significant percentage of adolescents already affected, it is imperative for governments to take bold actions to curb this rising trend.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are flavoured tobacco products?
Flavoured tobacco products are tobacco items enhanced with appealing flavours like menthol, bubble gum, and cotton candy, designed to attract younger users.
Why is the WHO calling for a ban on these products?
The WHO emphasizes that flavoured tobacco products are increasingly targeting youth and contributing to addiction and health issues, necessitating an urgent ban.
How many countries have banned flavoured tobacco?
Over 50 countries currently have regulations banning flavoured tobacco, with more than 40 also prohibiting e-cigarette sales.
What health risks are associated with flavoured tobacco?
Flavoured tobacco is linked to serious health concerns, including lung diseases and the potential for addiction, especially among young users.
What is World No Tobacco Day?
World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31 each year, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and promote effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
