Don’t let the tobacco and nicotine industries trick people with their playbook - warns WHO on World No Tobacco Day

Saturday marked World No Tobacco Day, and this day aims to raise awareness about the harmful tactics of the tobacco industry.

The 2025 theme – ‘Unmasking the appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products’, which aims to reveal the strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industries to make their harmful products enticing, particularly to young people.

‘’Manipulative product designs, attractive flavours, and glamourized marketing create a false sense of security and evoke desirability. We need to break the illusion. Nicotine and tobacco products are highly addictive and designed to sustain use, trapping users in a cycle of dependence. Additives mask the harshness of tobacco, making it easier to start and harder to quit. No more ‘candy coating’. Removing the appeal of these products through stricter regulations is essential to protecting current and future generations from harm. Don’t let the tobacco and nicotine industries trick people with their playbook,’’ said the World Health Organisation, in a statement.

COURTESY: WHO

According to figures from the City of Cape Town, children aged seven to 17 have made up nearly 70% of the audiences at City Health interventions around the dangers of smoking and vaping.

A recent survey of learners in Grades 8 to 12 at South African schools found that 2% of respondents smoke cigarettes, 17% vape and 36% had tried vaping. The survey also found that the frequency of vaping increased among learners in higher grades.

Young people and children in particular have been attracted to cheap and colourful disposable vapes, which have snazzy flavours such as mint, chocolate, mango or watermelon,

‘’It is for this very reason that our education efforts are primarily directed at learners. There has been a decline in the use of traditional tobacco products, but they’ve been replaced by vapes and other devices. So we remain on the backfoot. Raising awareness empowers people to make informed choices and to protect themselves, and others, from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

‘’City Health urges individuals, businesses and policymakers to take action by promoting smoke free environments, supporting tobacco cessation programmes and advocating for stronger regulations on tobacco and nicotine marketing. By standing together as a community, we can challenge industry tactics and work towards a healthier, smoke free City,’’ she added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George