The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concern over a renewed surge in nicotine addiction driven by e-cigarettes and other emerging tobacco products, particularly among young people.
According to a new WHO global report, the number of tobacco users worldwide has dropped from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024, a 27 percent reduction.
However, one in every five adults globally remains addicted to nicotine.
The report revealed that more than 100 million people now use e-cigarettes, including about 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15, who are on average nine times more likely to vape than adults.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, described the trend as a “fightback” by the tobacco industry, accusing it of deploying sophisticated marketing strategies and sleek new nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches, to lure the next generation of users.
The health agency is urging governments to take urgent action by raising tobacco taxes, banning advertising and sponsorships, closing regulatory loopholes around e-cigarettes, and expanding cessation programs to help millions quit.
Written by Gladys Haruna