• The World No Tobacco Day campaign advocates for a ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, including on digital platforms. It also calls for regulating product designs and packaging to make them less appealing.

World No Tobacco Day 2025 aims to raise awareness about the tactics the tobacco industry uses to entice users. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this day will highlight these strategies to safeguard public health.

Annually celebrated on May 31, World No Tobacco Day informs the public about the dangers of tobacco use. This year’s theme is “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”

The WHO emphasizes the public health challenges posed by the allure of tobacco and nicotine products, particularly for younger generations.

“The industry continually seeks ways to make these products appealing, adding flavors and agents that alter their smell, taste, or appearance. These additives mask the harshness of tobacco, increasing its palatability, especially among youth,” states the WHO.

Additionally, the WHO points out that other strategies include sleek designs, attractive colors, and enticing flavors that mimic sweets, candies, and even cartoon characters. These features, along with coolants and additives, can make the experience smoother, increasing the likelihood of continued use and reducing the chance of quitting.

The World No Tobacco Day campaign advocates for a ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, including on digital platforms. It also calls for regulating product designs and packaging to make them less appealing.

“By unmasking these strategies, the campaign aims to illuminate how the industry promotes addiction, driving demand reduction efforts and supporting long-term public health,” concludes the WHO.