Global Efforts to Reduce Tobacco Usage: WHO Report

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.29.2024
Global Efforts to Reduce Tobacco Usage: WHO Report
WHO report shows global smoking rates have decreased over the past 20 years, but challenges remain, especially in Kazakhstan.

According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 28, the latest findings indicate that 150 countries worldwide have successfully reduced tobacco use in the past 20 years. The global smoking rate among adults has decreased from one-third to one-fifth. Brazil and the Netherlands have seen success in lowering smoking rates through implementing these measures, with Latin American countries experiencing a decline of 35% and European countries approaching their target of 30%.

 

According to Zhanar Karmakova, Deputy Chief of the National Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan, despite a 9% decrease in smoking rates in Kazakhstan in 2019 compared to 2014, the number of adult smokers in the country is still expected to reach 2.9 million, indicating persistent challenges.

 

According to reports, while smoking rates among men in Kazakhstan are decreasing, rates among women are increasing. The use of nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes, has caught the attention of young people. A national survey on the health behaviors of school-age children in Kazakhstan revealed that 9.8% of teenagers have tried e-cigarettes at least once. In order to protect the next generation, the World Health Organization has designated this year's World No Tobacco Day theme as intervention against the tobacco industry targeting children.

 

According to predictions, the European region of the World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to become the highest tobacco-consuming region globally by the year 2030, with the proportion of female smokers reaching twice the global average. In response, the WHO is strongly urging countries to enhance their tobacco control policies and strategies.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

FDA schedules online roundtable to gather small manufacturers’ input on ENDS PMTA requirements
FDA schedules online roundtable to gather small manufacturers’ input on ENDS PMTA requirements
FDA announced it will convene a Feb. 10, 2026 roundtable with small tobacco product manufacturers to gather feedback on PMTA submissions for ENDS products. The discussion will be viewable online, and a public docket is open for comments through March 12, 2026.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Interview | Prague Move Puts Eastern Europe in Focus for Nicotine Industry Event EVO NXT
2Firsts Interview | Prague Move Puts Eastern Europe in Focus for Nicotine Industry Event EVO NXT
EVO NXT will move to Prague in April 2026. As an event’s official media partner for four consecutive years, 2Firsts recently interviewed the organisers, who said the relocation reflects strong growth in Eastern European markets for alternative nicotine products. They described EVO NXT as not a traditional trade fair but a business festival shaped by rapid changes in regulation, markets and technological innovation across the global nicotine industry.
Feb.03
MEPs seek Commission answers over EU trade officials’ contacts with PMI
MEPs seek Commission answers over EU trade officials’ contacts with PMI
POLITICO reports that five members of the European Parliament’s health committee want to invite the European Commission to answer questions about its contacts with Philip Morris International (PMI), following a POLITICO and The Examination investigation into extensive meetings between EU trade officials and tobacco lobbyists.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian Sabah GOF seizes e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids worth over  USD 156,333 in seven-district operation
Malaysian Sabah GOF seizes e-cigarettes, vapes and e-liquids worth over USD 156,333 in seven-district operation
In Sabah, Malaysia’s General Operations Force (GOF) seized thousands of e-cigarette devices, vapes and e-liquids worth more than RM635,000 and detained 23 people during a simultaneous integrated operation across seven districts.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI AI White Paper Warns of “Cognitive Atrophy” and Attention Erosion, Calls for Focus on Human Cognition’s Evolution
PMI AI White Paper Warns of “Cognitive Atrophy” and Attention Erosion, Calls for Focus on Human Cognition’s Evolution
Philip Morris International (PMI) has released a white paper calling for cross-sector dialogue on how AI may affect human cognitive abilities. The paper flags risks including “cognitive atrophy” and attention erosion, and warns of a widening cognitive divide and rising pressures on information verification and trust.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s Tobacco Regulator Moves to Introduce Credit Management Framework for E-Cigarette Manufacturers, Greater Transparency May Improve International Assessability of China’s Supply Chain
China’s Tobacco Regulator Moves to Introduce Credit Management Framework for E-Cigarette Manufacturers, Greater Transparency May Improve International Assessability of China’s Supply Chain
China’s tobacco regulator has moved to introduce a credit management framework for e-cigarette manufacturers, outlining a system that links compliance records to regulatory oversight. The proposal forms part of a broader push to institutionalize supervision and improve transparency across China’s e-cigarette supply chain.
Jan.05