Global Tobacco Use Declines, but E-cigarette Surge Poses New Challenges, WHO Reports
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant drop in global tobacco use, with user numbers falling from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. Despite this 27% reduction, health officials warn that the tobacco epidemic remains a critical concern, with one-fifth of adults worldwide still using tobacco products.
According to the latest WHO assessment, while traditional tobacco use decreases, a new threat has emerged in the form of e-cigarettes. More than 100 million people globally now use these devices, including 86 million adults and approximately 15 million adolescents aged 13-15.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus acknowledged the progress in tobacco control but expressed concern about the industry’s evolving tactics. “The tobacco industry is fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people,” he stated, urging governments to strengthen their control measures.
The report highlights stark gender differences in tobacco cessation rates. Women have already achieved the 2025 reduction target, with usage dropping from 11% in 2010 to 6.6% in 2024, representing a decrease from 277 million to 206 million users. Men, who constitute over 80% of tobacco users globally, are not expected to reach the target until 2031, with prevalence declining from 41.4% to 32.5% between 2010 and 2024.
Regional trends show varying degrees of progress:
– South-East Asia has seen male tobacco use nearly halve from 70% in 2000 to 37% in 2024
– Africa maintains the lowest tobacco use at 9.5% in 2024
– The Americas have achieved a 36% reduction to 14% in 2024
– Europe now has the highest overall prevalence at 24.1%, including the highest female smoking rate at 17.4%
– The Western Pacific region shows minimal improvement, dropping from 25.8% in 2010 to 22.9% in 2024
Of particular concern is the surge in e-cigarette use, especially among youth. Data indicates children are nine times more likely than adults to use e-cigarettes in countries where statistics are available. WHO’s Director of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention, Etienne Krug, warns that these devices are creating a new wave of nicotine addiction, potentially undermining decades of tobacco control progress.
In response, WHO is advocating for stronger tobacco control measures, including stricter regulation of new nicotine products, increased taxation, advertising bans, and expanded cessation services. The organization emphasizes the importance of implementing the MPOWER policy package and adhering to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to protect public health, particularly among younger generations.
