ಜೂನ್ 05, 2025

World No Tobacco Day 2025: Unmasking the Appeal of the Tobacco Industry

-Dr Suvarna V. Biradar

Every year on May 31, the world observes World No Tobacco Day—a crucial initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its global partners to raise awareness about the devastating impact of tobacco use. The theme for 2025, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” sheds light on the manipulative strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industries to lure young people and perpetuate addiction.

The Hidden Dangers Behind the Glitz

Modern marketing techniques mask the true dangers of tobacco products. The industry uses attractive packaging, flavored additives, social media campaigns, and glamorized imagery to draw in a new generation of users. Studies have shown that tobacco content has been viewed over 3.4 billion times on social media platforms, normalizing and promoting a harmful addiction.

Flavorings added to products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches reduce the harshness of tobacco, making it easier to start and harder to quit. These tactics trap users in a vicious cycle of dependence, often beginning in adolescence.

What Needs to Be Done?

To curb this growing threat, a multipronged approach is essential:

  • Ban flavorings in tobacco and nicotine products.
  • Regulate product design to make them less appealing and less harmful.
  • Implement plain packaging to reduce the allure of tobacco brands.
  • Prohibit advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of all tobacco products.
  • Ensure tobacco and nicotine-free public spaces.
  • Support cessation programs and raise awareness about the health impacts.
  • Increase taxation to make tobacco products less affordable and accessible.
  • Educate the public on industry manipulation tactics and promote the benefits of quitting. 

The Indian Context

In India, tobacco use remains a major public health concern. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2 revealed that over 28.6% of the population uses some form of tobacco—42.4% among males and 14.2% among females. Smokeless tobacco is particularly common, with khaini, gutka, and betel quid being widely used.

The Government of India has taken commendable steps, from signing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to conducting national-level youth and adult tobacco surveys. Yet, the deep-rooted addiction continues to challenge public health efforts.

A Role for Health Professionals

Dental and oral health professionals play a critical role in tobacco cessation. Brief interventions using WHO-recommended 5A and 5R models should become standard practice in primary care settings.

Further, oral health education and behavioral change programs are vital to enhance public understanding of the severe consequences of tobacco use, which include:

  • Oral cancer
  • Oral submucous fibrosis
  • Smoker’s palate
  • Potentially malignant disorders like leukoplakia and erythroplakia

Severe impact on overall health 

World No Tobacco Day 2025 is a reminder that tobacco use is not just a personal habit—it’s a public health crisis fuelled by a powerful industry. It is time to unmask the appeal, reveal the truth, and protect the health of future generations.

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Dr Suvarna V. Biradar


Dr Suvarna V. Biradar

Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, HKE's S. Nijalingappa Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Kalaburagi



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