The World Health Organization has issued an urgent call to action as new data reveals a staggering public health challenge: 40 million children aged 13-15 worldwide currently use tobacco products. The crisis is being driven by a significant shift in consumption patterns, with youth increasingly turning to e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches rather than traditional cigarettes.
E-cigarette adoption among adolescents has surged 43% since 2019, according to WHO’s Global Youth Tobacco Survey. These newer nicotine products are heavily marketed to young users through social media campaigns featuring appealing flavors and modern designs, creating the perception that they are safer alternatives to conventional smoking.
WHO emphasizes that without immediate government intervention, this generation faces unprecedented risk of lifelong nicotine addiction. The organization calls for comprehensive regulatory frameworks addressing both traditional and emerging products, stricter enforcement of age verification systems, and restrictions on flavored nicotine marketing. Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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