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May 29, 2025, Cairo, Egypt – On May 31, the world will mark the world without tobacco 2025 under the banner “bright products. Dark intentions”. This year’s theme sheds light on the tactics of the tobacco industry to attract women and young people in addiction through flavored and colorful products.
The use of tobacco is the main cause of preventable death on a global level, with the World Health Organization (WHO) the Eastern Mediterranean Region which brings a significant burden. The region has the highest rates of smoke among teenage boys, with countries such as Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt that are classified among the highest global level. The promotion of new nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, has led to higher dependence rates among vulnerable groups.
On a global level, 37 million children aged between 13 and 15 years use tobacco. In the eastern Mediterranean region, smoke rates in some areas reached 43% among teenage boys (aged between 13 and 15 years) and 20% among teenage girls. The highest prevalence of use of tobacco among the boys is recorded in the occupied Palestinian territory (the West Bank) to 43.3%, followed by Jordan at 33.9%and by the Syrian Arab Republic at 31.6%.
The promotion of the tobacco sector of new nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, is particularly worrying. These products often have colored flavors and design that attract women and young people, leading to higher dependence rates. With over 16,000 tastes of available electronic cigarettes, it is not surprising that in some countries 9 out of 10 users of electronic cigarettes are attracted to flavored products that turn to younger users.
Alarmingly, the gap in the use of tobacco between men and women is shrinking, with more women and girls who occupy smoking, exposing them to health risks such as cervical cancer, osteoporosis and fertility problems. In the meantime, the Region already has the highest tass of smoke among teenage children, underlining the urgent need for action.
“Our region has the highest youth smoke rates in the world. We have to act to protect the next generation. We remain together and make crystalline. No more tricks. No more traps. Join us for a future without tobacco.” He says who the regional director Dr Hanan Balkhy.
In response to the alarming increase in the use of tobacco between women and teenagers, the regional office for the eastern Mediterranean has launched a targeted initiative. This initiative recognizes that women and adolescents share common vulnerability, including socio -economic factors and health needs that make them susceptible to the tactics of the sector.
Governments, interested parties and communities must work together for:
Baning flavors of tabacco products and attractive design;
Implement graphic health warnings on packaging;
limit advertising and promotion; AND
Increase taxes on tobacco products.
“We have to work with all interested parties, led by governments, to limit/prohibit the use of flavors and attractive colorful projects, in particular for emerging products including, but not limited to, electronic cigarettes and vapotta.
On the World No Tobacco Day 2025, we increase the awareness of the dark intentions of the tobacco industry and work for a future without tobacco. Together, we can make the difference and protect the health and well -being of our communities.
We spread the word and combine for a future without tobacco!
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