Every year on May 31st, World No Tobacco Day, also known as Anti-Tobacco Day, is observed globally. This day serves as a reminder of the harmful effects of tobacco consumption on health. Despite widespread awareness of these dangers, many individuals continue to use tobacco products. Therefore, Anti-Tobacco Day aims to raise awareness and encourage people to quit tobacco use for good. Let’s delve into the history, significance, and theme of this year’s Anti-Tobacco Day, which falls in 2024.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day in 2024 focuses on “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,” emphasizing the need to safeguard future generations and reduce tobacco consumption. This year’s theme draws attention to the concerning tactics employed by the tobacco industry to target youth through various marketing strategies.

The significance of World No Tobacco Day has grown significantly as the youth population worldwide faces increasing exposure to tobacco products, often through platforms like social media and live streaming. This poses a substantial threat to their health and the overall well-being of society. Surveys conducted globally consistently reveal a worrying trend of tobacco and nicotine product usage among children aged 13-15 years in many countries.

The prevalence of smoking among youth is on the rise globally, with more than 38 million children aged 13 to 15 currently using tobacco in some form. In 2022, there was a significant increase of 110 percent in tobacco visuals featured in popular TV shows and web series among individuals aged 15 to 24. These depictions often glamorize smoking, presenting it as fashionable and appealing. Studies by the Truth Initiative indicate that young people are three times more likely to initiate smoking after exposure to smoking imagery on screen.

The history of World No Tobacco Day traces back to a resolution passed by the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, urging the observance of “World No Tobacco Day” on April 7, 1988. The primary aim of this day was to encourage tobacco users worldwide to abstain from tobacco products for a period of 24 hours. Subsequently, in 1988, resolution WHA42.19 was adopted, designating May 31 as the annual observance of World No Tobacco Day. The inaugural theme in 1988 was “Tobacco or Health: Choose Health.”

In 1998, a decade after the inception of World No Tobacco Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI). This initiative was created to galvanize global efforts and resources towards combating the health consequences associated with tobacco consumption. One of its key objectives is to advocate for the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).