The World Health Organization (WHO) recently made public a revealing report that suggests a significant transformation in the international consumption of tobacco. This change is reflected in the overall global decline in both tobacco use and number of users.
Statistics on Male Tobacco Use
In the year 2000, the number of male tobacco users stood at 1.050 billion globally. By 2018, this figure had risen slightly to 1.093 billion. However, the WHO report anticipates a decline in the number of male tobacco consumers. There’s an indication that the growth in number has halted, and it is expected to drop by over 1 million, down to approximately 1.091 billion, by 2020. Furthermore, by 2025, the number of male users is projected to be 1.087 billion, which means a reduction by 5 million from the 2018 figure.
The Downward Trend in Global Tobacco Use
Between 2000 and 2018, global tobacco use decreased from 1.397 billion to 1.337 billion users. This reduction was primarily driven by the decrease in numbers of female users, with the count falling from 346 million in 2000 to 244 million in 2018, reducing by over 100 million users. Additionally, since 2010, tobacco use has been declining in 60% of countries worldwide.
Projections of Future Tobacco Consumption
It is projected that by 2020, there will be 10 million fewer tobacco users compared to the figures from 2018. Furthermore, by 2025, this figure is expected to reduce by another 27 million, bringing the total down to approximately 1.299 billion users.
Other Findings from the Report
| Fact | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Global Child Tobacco Users (2018) | 43 million (13-15 years old) |
| Indian Tobacco Users (2000) | 44% of population |
| Projected Indian Tobacco Users (2025) | 22.3% of population |
Tobacco Consumption in India
The prevalence of tobacco use in India was 44% for both genders combined in the year 2000 and is expected to be reduced roughly by half, to 22.3% by 2025. The global prevalence was 33.3% in 2000, and is projected to reach 20.9% in 2025. In 2018, the current rate of tobacco use in India for individuals aged 15 years and older was higher than the global rates for both males and females. However, the rates of tobacco smoking were lower than global figures.
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Various governments adopt and implement the tobacco control measures outlined in the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This first international treaty, negotiated under the auspices of the WHO, was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and came into force on 27 February 2005. The provisions aim to combat tobacco use and were developed as a response to the global expansion of the tobacco epidemic. Listed among these provisions are price and tax measures, large and graphic warnings on tobacco packages, the introduction of 100% smoke-free public spaces, a ban on tobacco marketing, support for smokers wishing to quit, and preventing interference from the tobacco industry.
