WHO Urges Renewed Commitment to Tobacco Control Measures

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that progress in global tobacco control is at risk of stagnation due to rising industry interference, inconsistent enforcement, and policy gaps, despite nearly two decades of gains since the adoption of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

During the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, the WHO launched the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report, which emphasizes the need for countries to reinforce their tobacco control strategies using the MPOWER measures. These are six evidence-based interventions that include monitoring, protecting from smoke, cessation support, warnings, advertising bans, and taxation.

According to WHO, over 6.1 billion people are now protected by at least one MPOWER policy, up from just 1 billion in 2007. Four countries have implemented all six measures at best-practice level including Brazil, Mauritius, the Netherlands, and Türkiye. Mexico is one of seven countries just one policy away from reaching full implementation, joining Ethiopia, Ireland, Jordan, New Zealand, Slovenia, and Spain.

The report, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, highlights significant improvements in the use of graphic health warnings. Today, 110 countries require such warnings, compared to only nine in 2007, with 25 countries adopting plain packaging to strengthen awareness of tobacco’s health risks. Still, enforcement remains uneven, and regulations for smokeless tobacco products lag behind.

WHO also points to missed opportunities in mass media campaigns. Despite their effectiveness, 110 countries have not launched anti-tobacco campaigns since 2022. Only 36% of the global population lives in countries with best-practice campaigns, though that marks a notable increase from 19% in 2022.

Taxation and smoking cessation remain areas of concern. Just three countries have raised tobacco taxes to best-practice levels since 2022, and 134 have not made cigarettes less affordable. Meanwhile, only one-third of the global population has access to cost-covered quitting services.

Second-hand smoke exposure continues to claim about 1.3 million lives annually. To date, 79 countries have implemented comprehensive smoke-free laws, covering one-third of the global population. Since 2022, six countries have adopted new smoke-free policies, despite lobbying from the tobacco industry, particularly in hospitality venues.

The regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as e-cigarettes, has also  expanded, with 133 countries now imposing bans or regulations — up from 122 in 2022. However, over 60 countries still lack any policy framework to govern these products.

“Governments must act boldly to close remaining gaps, strengthen enforcement, and invest in the proven tools that save lives,” says Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion, WHO. “WHO calls on all countries to accelerate progress on MPOWER and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against tobacco.”

The report’s findings suggest that while countries like Mexico are making significant strides, global momentum needs renewed commitment to prevent backsliding and to ensure tobacco control remains a public health priority.