WHO report reveals progress in tobacco war but gaps remain

Introduction of graphic health warnings on cigarette packets and bans on smoking in public spaces have boosted efforts to reduce tobacco use. [Courtesy]

Tobacco control measures are now protecting approximately 75 per cent of the world’s population, according to a new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), launched at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin. The Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report underscores significant progress in reducing tobacco use globally but also warns that many countries, including Kenya, still face major policy and enforcement gaps that could reverse hard-won gains.

The report tracks the implementation of six proven WHO MPOWER strategies that include monitoring tobacco use, protecting people from second-hand smoke, offering quit support, warning about tobacco dangers, enforcing advertising bans and raising tobacco taxes. Since 2007, the number of people covered by at least one of these measures has grown from 1 billion to over 6.1 billion, which is nearly three-quarters of the world’s population.