2024 World No Tobacco Day to highlight industry trend targeting marketing towards young people

JOHANNESBURG - Friday is World No Tobacco Day, a yearly celebration that informs the public of the dangers of using tobacco, and what the World Health Organization (WHO) is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic.

On Friday, the WHO and public health champions from across the globe will come together to raise awareness about the harmful influences of the tobacco industry on youth.

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The WHO created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention and awareness to the tobacco epidemic.

The theme for 2024 is No Tobacco Day is Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference, where attention is directed towards the alarming trend of the tobacco industry’s targeted marketing towards the youth.

According to data, at least 37 million youth aged 13-15 years old use some form of tobacco worldwide.

While this is the case, some youth still believe this day does not serve them.

“I smoke because, life. I smoke because it’s a nice way to destress when life gets stressful. I certainly am looking to one day quitting, but not in my immediate future,” said one person.

“I don’t know if I will quit now because my job is stressful,” another shared.

World No Tobacco Day plays an important role in raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use.

This includes the dangers of smoking and the use of other tobacco products, and highlighting their connection to a range of health issues such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.