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Global tobacco consumption has declined significantly over the past two decades, yet the tobacco epidemic remains a major public health concern, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The report warns that despite substantial progress in reducing smoking rates worldwide, nearly one in five adults continues to use tobacco, while the rapid growth of emerging nicotine products, particularly e-cigarettes, risks undermining decades of achievements in tobacco control.
The WHO findings reveal that the number of tobacco users has fallen from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024, with 120 million people quitting since 2010—a 27% relative decline.
For the first time, the WHO’s report provides a global estimate of e-cigarette use, revealing that more than 100 million people worldwide now use such products—including approximately 15 million adolescents.
The agency cautioned that while marketed as harm-reduction tools, e-cigarettes are fueling a new wave of nicotine dependence and risk reversing decades of progress in tobacco control.
“E-cigarettes are fueling a new wave of nicotine addiction,” said Dr. Etienne Krug, WHO Director of Health Determinants, Promotion, and Prevention.
“They are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are hooking children and teenagers on nicotine earlier, undermining global progress.”
The report also highlights persistent disparities in tobacco use by gender and region. Prevalence among women has declined more rapidly, dropping to 6.6% in 2024.
However, men—who account for over 80% of global tobacco users—are not expected to meet international reduction targets until 2031.
Regionally, Europe now records the highest overall prevalence of tobacco use at 24.1%.
While many regions have seen significant progress, tobacco use in some parts of the world remains stubbornly high, driven by cultural, economic, and regulatory factors.
The WHO report calls on governments to intensify tobacco control efforts, including raising taxes on tobacco products, implementing comprehensive advertising bans, closing regulatory loopholes, and expanding access to cessation services.
“Nearly 20% of adults still use tobacco and nicotine products. We cannot let up now,” said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General.
“The rise of new nicotine products underscores the urgent need for robust regulatory action and continued investment in public health interventions.”
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