The World Health Organization (WHO) released a comprehensive report revealing that 19.5% of adults globally still use tobacco, despite a significant drop from 26.2% in 2010. The findings underscore that the tobacco epidemic remains a major public health challenge.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged the progress made through global tobacco control efforts but cautioned against the rise of new nicotine products, which are aggressively marketed especially to youth. “The tobacco industry is fighting back,” he warned, urging governments to act swiftly with stronger regulations.

📊 Key Findings from the Report:

• Over 100 million people now use e-cigarettes, including 86 million adults and 15 million adolescents aged 13–15.
• Adolescent e-cigarette use is nine times higher than adult use in many countries.
• 10% of adolescents globally report using at least one tobacco product.
• In Southeast Asia, tobacco use among men dropped from 70% in 2000 to 37% in 2024, accounting for half of the global decline.
• Europe now has the highest number of smokers, followed by the Western Pacific.
• Africa reports the lowest tobacco use rates.

WHO officials, including Etienne Krug and Jeremy Farrar, stressed that e-cigarettes are fueling a new wave of addiction and risk undermining decades of progress. They called for urgent action to close regulatory loopholes and protect youth from nicotine exposure.

The report projects continued decline through 2030, but warns that without intensified tobacco control policies, the gains could stall. Governments are urged to reinforce bans, raise awareness, and ensure access to cessation support.