World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31 May to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and nicotine addiction. The World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the theme for 2026 as “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
The campaign focuses on protecting children and adolescents from the growing use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and flavored nicotine products, which are often marketed as fashionable and safer alternatives to traditional tobacco. According to WHO, around 15 million adolescents aged 13–15 years use e-cigarettes globally, and young people are significantly more likely to vape than adults.
Tobacco remains a major public health challenge, causing over 7 million deaths worldwide each year. In India, tobacco-related diseases lead to approximately 1.35 million deaths annually, with oral cancers linked to smokeless tobacco products such as gutka, khaini, and pan masala being particularly common.
To reduce tobacco and nicotine addiction, WHO urges governments to ban flavored products, enforce plain packaging, restrict advertising and sponsorship, and increase taxes on tobacco products. The observance highlights the need for stronger measures to protect youth and promote a tobacco-free future.
