In a new series of fact sheets, WHO/Europe provides an in-depth look at how countries in the WHO European Region are progressing in their efforts to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The fact sheets are based on data from the 2023 WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic and reveal both successes and gaps in tobacco control in the WHO European Region.
Building a healthier Region: the urgent need for stronger tobacco control policies
“Despite widespread recognition that tobacco use is a leading cause of deaths and disability from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory conditions, policies in many countries of the WHO European Region are not strong enough to protect people’s health from tobacco use,” said Dr Gauden Galea, Strategic Advisor to the Regional Director and head of the Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation at WHO/Europe.
According to WHO estimates, 179 million adults and 4 million adolescents aged 13–15 currently use tobacco in our Region. Eighteen per cent of all deaths due to NCDs here are attributable to tobacco use.
“High prevalence of tobacco use is fuelled by powerful industry influence, aggressive marketing tactics, and policy gaps that undermine public health efforts. If we continue with business as usual, our Region will have the highest tobacco use rate in the world by 2030, so we need better policies and impactful time-efficient measures to stop and reverse this worrying trend,” added Dr Galea.
The new fact sheet series is a valuable tool for decision-makers and tobacco control advocates who can use the latest WHO data to promote stronger health policies and tailor the WHO-recommended measures to the countries’ context.
Mixed progress across the Region
The WHO FCTC serves as a legal foundation for countries to curb tobacco use and reduce the harm caused by tobacco-related diseases. To support these efforts, WHO introduced the MPOWER measures that help countries to implement key provisions of the convention. The MPOWER measures are:
- monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies
- protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke
- offering help to quit tobacco use
- warning people about the dangers of tobacco
- enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship
- raising taxes on tobacco
According to the latest available data, countries in the European Region perform well in 2 key MPOWER areas: monitoring tobacco use and warning people about the dangers of tobacco.
Eighty-one per cent of countries in the Region have robust systems in place to monitor tobacco consumption and evaluate the effectiveness of their policies, while 77% effectively warn their populations about the risks associated with tobacco use.
Despite over half of the countries (53%) in the WHO European Region maintaining high tobacco taxes, cigarettes have become less affordable in only 6 countries since 2020. From a health perspective, policy-makers should consider tax hikes that outpace income growth. A tax increase should make tobacco products less affordable to consumers, effectively reducing demand.
There are several other areas for improvement in the Region.
- Only 11 countries provide sufficient support to help people to quit tobacco, while 39 countries provide some form of assistance.
- Just 18 of the 53 WHO European Region Member States have adopted comprehensive smoke-free laws.
- Only 13 countries in the Region have completely banned the advertisement and promotion of tobacco products.
Insufficient implementation of evidence-based tobacco control measures represents a missed opportunity to reduce the enormous health, social, economic and environmental burden caused by tobacco.
Global targets and the path forward
As part of the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, countries around the world, including those in the European Region, have committed to reducing tobacco use by 30% by 2025.
The fact sheets indicate that only 11 countries in the Region are on track to meet this target. Most countries are expected to see a decline in tobacco use, but below the 30% threshold.
Worryingly, 3 countries are unlikely to experience any significant change, and 1 country is projected to see an increase in tobacco use by 2025.
Tobacco control and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Tobacco control is not only a public health priority but also a key component of the SDGs, particularly SDG Target 3.a, which calls for the full implementation of the WHO FCTC. Tobacco-related diseases are responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths annually in the Region, and addressing tobacco use is essential to reducing this burden and achieving global health goals.
“Bold actions work; we already see this through our data. In the countries that have adopted comprehensive smoke-free laws, raised taxes to make tobacco products less affordable, fully banned tobacco advertising, and expanded cessation support services, these policies had a clear positive impact. Fewer cases of NCDs, from cancer to cardiovascular diseases, and fewer NCD-related deaths have been reported. While not all countries currently have the capacity to implement best practices in full, it’s crucial that we work together to provide the necessary support, resources, and partnerships to overcome these challenges,” said Dr Gauden Galea.
“As the 2025 and 2030 global targets approach, it’s time for countries across our Region to strengthen their implementation of WHO FCTC measures. This way we can create a healthier future for us all.”