GENEVA—The latest World Health Organization (WHO) tobacco trends report reveals that there are approximately 1.25 billion adult tobacco users globally. Released today, the report indicates a continued decline in tobacco use rates worldwide, with about 1 in 5 adults consuming tobacco compared to 1 in 3 in the year 2000.
In 2003, approximately 23 percent of Canadians smoked, but this figure declined to just under 12 percent by 2022. While smoking is more prevalent among men, rates have decreased for both genders. In 2022, about 13 percent of men and 10% of women were current, daily or occasional smokers. Smoking prevalence also varies by province; for instance, around 16% in New Brunswick and 9 percent in British Columbia. The provinces with the highest smoking rates are New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Encouragingly, the report showcases that 150 countries have successfully reduced tobacco use. Brazil and the Netherlands stand out as success stories, implementing MPOWER tobacco control measures and achieving a relative reduction of 35 percent and nearing the 30 percent target, respectively.
Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of WHO Department of Health Promotion, notes the progress in tobacco control but warns against complacency, emphasizing the tobacco industry’s persistent pursuit of profits at the expense of lives.
The decrease in smoking prevalence in Canada over the past few decades is likely attributed to government tobacco control laws that restrict smoking locations, limit tobacco advertising, mandate health warnings on packages, increased cigarette prices and heightened public awareness of smoking’s health impacts.
The WHO urges countries to maintain and enhance tobacco control policies while remaining vigilant against tobacco industry interference. Presently, the WHO South-East Asian Region has the highest tobacco use percentage at 26.5 percent, closely followed by the European Region at 25.3 percent. The report projects that by 2030, the WHO European Region is expected to have the highest global rates, exceeding 23 percent. Women in this region exhibit tobacco use rates more than double the global average, with reductions lagging compared to other regions.
Despite a steady decline in numbers, the world is expected to fall short of the voluntary global goal of a 30 percent reduction in tobacco use by 2025, achieving a 25 percent relative reduction. Only 56 countries are anticipated to meet this goal, down by four since the 2021 report.
Some countries have seen little change in tobacco use since 2010, and six countries, including Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman and the Republic of Moldova are experiencing an increase in tobacco use.
In response to ongoing challenges, WHO dedicates this year’s World No Tobacco Day to “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference.” The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023 reveals a deterioration in efforts to shield health policies from tobacco industry influence worldwide.
Next month, countries will convene in Panama for the 10th Session of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Conference of Parties. The report anticipates attempts by the tobacco industry to influence global health policies through financial and in-kind incentives. Strengthening the WHO FCTC remains a global health priority outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals, with WHO committed to supporting countries in defending evidence-based tobacco control measures against industry interference.
