Tobacco control efforts protect 6.1 billion people – WHO’s new report – World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 Report: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through Tobacco Control

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) released the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin. The report emphasizes the urgent need to maintain and accelerate progress in tobacco control amid rising tobacco industry interference. This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Focus on WHO MPOWER Tobacco Control Measures

The report highlights six proven WHO MPOWER measures designed to reduce tobacco use, which causes over 7 million deaths annually. These measures contribute directly to achieving SDG 3 by reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases:

1. Monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies;
2. Protecting people from tobacco smoke through smoke-free air legislation;
3. Offering help to quit tobacco use;
4. Warning about the dangers of tobacco via pack labels and mass media campaigns;
5. Enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship;
6. Raising taxes on tobacco products.

Global Progress and Coverage

• Since 2007, 155 countries have implemented at least one MPOWER measure at best-practice level.
• Over 6.1 billion people, approximately 75% of the global population, are now protected by at least one such policy, compared to 1 billion in 2007.
• Four countries—Brazil, Mauritius, the Netherlands, and Türkiye—have fully implemented the MPOWER package.
• Seven countries, including Ethiopia, Ireland, and New Zealand, are one measure away from full implementation.

Existing Challenges and Gaps

• 40 countries have no MPOWER measures at best-practice level.
• More than 30 countries permit cigarette sales without mandatory health warnings.
• Inconsistent enforcement of tobacco control laws remains a significant barrier.
• Smokeless tobacco packaging is poorly regulated in many regions.

Achievements in Tobacco Control and SDG Impact

Significant achievements have been made in graphic health warnings, a key element under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), contributing to SDG 3 and SDG 12:

• 110 countries now require graphic health warnings, up from 9 in 2007, protecting 62% of the global population.
• 25 countries have adopted plain packaging to reduce tobacco appeal.

These measures support SDG 3 by reducing tobacco-related health risks and SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption.

Areas Requiring Further Action

1. Anti-tobacco Campaigns: Despite their effectiveness, 110 countries have not conducted anti-tobacco campaigns since 2022. Currently, 36% of the global population lives in countries with best-practice campaigns, up from 19% in 2022.
2. Taxation: 134 countries have failed to make cigarettes less affordable. Only 3 countries increased tobacco taxes to best-practice levels since 2022.
3. Cessation Services: Only 33% of the global population has access to cost-covered quit services.
4. Advertising Bans: Best-practice bans exist in 68 countries, covering over 25% of the global population.

Protection from Second-Hand Smoke

Second-hand smoke causes approximately 1.3 million deaths annually. Currently, 79 countries have comprehensive smoke-free environments, protecting one-third of the global population. Since 2022, six additional countries have adopted strong smoke-free laws despite industry resistance, particularly in hospitality venues. This progress supports SDG 3 by reducing exposure to harmful substances.

Regulation of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

• The number of countries regulating or banning ENDS increased from 122 in 2022 to 133 in 2024.
• However, over 60 countries still lack any regulations on ENDS, highlighting a critical gap in tobacco control policy.

Call to Action and Commitment to SDGs

WHO urges governments to act decisively to close remaining gaps, strengthen enforcement, and invest in proven tobacco control tools to save lives. This call aligns with the broader SDG agenda to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages (SDG 3) and to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by ensuring no one is left behind in tobacco control efforts.

Supporting Initiatives

• The report was developed with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which has been instrumental in advancing global tobacco control since 2007.
• The 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards for Global Tobacco Control recognized governments and NGOs making significant progress.
• A new data portal tracks country-by-country progress from 2007 to 2025, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

The WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report underscores the critical role of tobacco control in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. By implementing and enforcing the MPOWER measures, countries can significantly reduce tobacco-related morbidity and mortality, contributing to healthier populations and sustainable development worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on reducing tobacco use, which directly impacts health by preventing millions of deaths annually.
   • It highlights tobacco control measures to reduce non-communicable diseases and premature mortality.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Raising taxes and enforcing bans on tobacco advertising relate to promoting responsible consumption patterns.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, governments, and NGOs illustrates partnerships to achieve health goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. Under SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
   • Target 3.a: Strengthen the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries.
2. Under SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature (e.g., tobacco warnings and campaigns).
3. Under SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Prevalence of Tobacco Use and Control Measures
   • Number of countries implementing WHO MPOWER measures at best-practice level.
   • Percentage of global population protected by tobacco control policies.
   • Number of countries requiring graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging.
   • Number of countries adopting plain packaging.
2. Access to Quit Services
   • Percentage of people with access to cost-covered tobacco cessation services.
3. Taxation and Affordability
   • Number of countries increasing tobacco taxes to best-practice levels.
   • Affordability of cigarettes measured by taxation policies.
4. Advertising Bans and Smoke-free Environments
   • Number of countries with best-practice bans on tobacco advertising.
   • Number of countries implementing comprehensive smoke-free laws.
   • Population coverage under smoke-free environments.
5. Regulation of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)
   • Number of countries regulating or banning ENDS.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: who.int