WHO report 2025: Tobacco control measures now protect 6.1 billion people worldwide.

On 23 June 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the 10th edition of its “Global Tobacco Epidemic Report,” revealing that tobacco control measures now protect over 6.1 billion people globally—approximately 75% of the world’s population. Despite this progress, more than 1.2 billion people still remain unprotected, and emerging threats like e-cigarettes continue to challenge public health systems.

      - The Global Tobacco Epidemic Report is published biennially by WHO to track the implementation of the MPOWER strategy, launched in 2007. MPOWER stands for Monitor tobacco use, Protect people from smoke, Offer help to quit, Warn about dangers, Enforce ad bans, and Raise taxes. As of 2025, 155 countries have adopted at least one of these measures at the highest level.

      - When the MPOWER strategy began in 2007, only about 1 billion people were covered by at least one recommended measure. In 2025, that number has surged to 6.1 billion people globally—indicating a sixfold increase in population coverage for tobacco control. However, 1.2 billion people—mainly in low-income regions—still lack protection.

      - Only four countries—Brazil, Türkiye, Mauritius, and the Netherlands—have fully implemented all six MPOWER strategies at the highest level. Nations like New Zealand and Ireland are just one measure short. However, 40 countries have not adopted any best-practice MPOWER strategy, while over 30 still allow cigarettes to be sold without graphic health warnings.

Main Point :-   (i) The report notes that 110 countries now require graphic health warnings on cigarette packages, covering 62% of the world’s population, up from just 9 countries in 2007. Moreover, 25 countries have adopted plain packaging policies. Comprehensive smoke-free laws are in place in 79 countries, saving an estimated 1.3 million lives annually from second-hand smoke exposure.

      (ii) Despite being the most effective measure, tobacco taxation remains weak globally. Only 15% of the global population is protected by best-practice tax policies (i.e., >75% retail price as tax). Additionally, only 33% of countries provide government-supported cessation services like quit lines and nicotine replacement therapy, which are crucial to help smokers quit.

(iii) The report raises serious concerns over the rise of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, especially among youth. WHO urges countries to regulate these emerging products strictly. With tobacco still causing over 7 million deaths each year, the organization calls for accelerated implementation of all six MPOWER measures to reach global health goals.
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