More than 37 million children aged between 13 and 15 years are already using tobacco around the world, being mostly lured by flavoured cigars
In the Eastern Mediterranean Region smoking rates in some areas have reached 43 percent among adolescent boys aged from 13 to 15 years and 20 percent among teenage girls.
The highest prevalence of tobacco use among boys is recorded in the occupied Palestinian territory of West Bank, peaking at 43.3 percent followed by Jordan with 33.9 percent and the Syrian Arab Republic at 31.6 percent.
World No Tobacco Day 2025: unmasking the appeal of tobacco products
On 31 May the world will mark World No Tobacco Day 2025 under the theme of ‘Bright Products. Dark Intentions,’ shedding light on the tobacco industry’s tactics to lure women and young people into addiction through flavoured and colourful products.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region bearing a significant burden.
The Region has the highest smoking rates among adolescent boys, with countries like Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt ranking among the highest globally.
The promotion of new nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, has led to higher dependency rates among vulnerable groups.
The tobacco industry’s promotion of new nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products is particularly concerning.
These products often feature flavours and colourful designs that attract women and young people, leading to higher dependency rates.
With over 16 000 flavours of e-cigarettes available, it’s no surprise that in some countries 9 out of 10 e-cigarette users are drawn to the spiced products that target younger users.
Alarmingly, the gap in tobacco use between men and women is narrowing, with more women and girls taking up smoking, exposing them to health risks such as cervical cancer, osteoporosis and fertility issues.
Meanwhile, the Region already has the highest smoking rates among adolescent boys, underscoring the urgent need for action.
“Our Region has the highest youth smoking rates in the world. We must act to protect the next generation. Let us stand together and make it crystal clear. No more tricks. No more traps. Let’s unite for a tobacco-free future.” says WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy.
In response to the alarming rise in tobacco use among women and adolescents, the Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has launched a targeted initiative.
This initiative recognizes that women and adolescents share common vulnerabilities, including socioeconomic factors and health care needs that make them susceptible to the industry’s tactics.
Governments, stakeholders and communities must work together to ban tobacco product flavours and attractive designs; implement graphic health warnings on packaging; restrict advertising and promotion and increase taxes on tobacco products.
“We need to ban the use of flavours and attractive colourful designs, especially for emerging products including e-cigarettes and vapes, for a tobacco-free future. We owe it to our children, our communities and our future generations,” Dr Balkhy says.