In a recent report, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that the number of adult tobacco users has been steadily decreasing in the past years. However, the organization also warned that the tobacco industry is actively working to reverse this positive trend.

According to the WHO, in 2022, approximately one-fifth of adults worldwide were smokers or consumed other tobacco products, a significant decline from one-third in 2000. The report studied trends in tobacco use between 2000 and 2030 and highlighted that 150 countries have been successful in reducing tobacco consumption.

While most countries have experienced a decline in smoking rates, the WHO cautioned that tobacco-related deaths are expected to remain high for years to come. Shockingly, tobacco use still claims the lives of over eight million people annually, including an estimated 1.3 million nonsmokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke.

The report emphasized that countries implementing strong tobacco control measures will see a decrease in prevalence rates and a subsequent decline in tobacco-related deaths. However, it could take up to 30 years for these changes to become evident.

Despite the reduction in smokers, the WHO stated that the world is unlikely to achieve its goal of a 30-percent drop in tobacco use between 2010 and 2025. Only 56 countries are projected to meet this target, including Brazil, which has already decreased tobacco use by 35 percent since 2010. On the other hand, six countries, namely the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Moldova, and Oman, have witnessed an increase in tobacco consumption since 2010.

Overall, the report indicated that global tobacco use is set to decrease by a quarter by 2025, signaling progress in combating tobacco addiction.

Despite these positive developments, the WHO expressed concerns about the tobacco industry's relentless efforts to undermine control policies. Ruediger Krech, the director of the WHO's health promotion department, condemned the industry's profit-driven actions, stating, "I'm astounded at the depths the tobacco industry will go to pursue profits at the expense of countless lives."

The WHO urged all countries to maintain and strengthen their control policies, while also emphasizing the need to fight against tobacco industry interference. The organization specifically called for better data collection on tobacco use among adolescents, particularly concerning new smokeless products. Currently, around 10 percent of 13- to 15-year-olds globally use tobacco products, with at least 12 million using new smokeless products. However, these numbers are likely underestimates, as more than 70 countries lack data on adolescent tobacco use.

The report highlighted the industry's attempts to target young individuals and undermine efforts to dissuade them from using tobacco products. It stressed the importance of gathering accurate data from adolescents to combat industry tactics and shape effective policies that discourage tobacco initiation.

As the fight against tobacco use continues, the WHO emphasized the need for vigilance and a united front in countering the influence of the tobacco industry.