The latest WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2030 highlights a steady global decline in tobacco use, with an average reduction of 6 million users each year. The Western Pacific stands out as the only Region where nearly the entire population resides in countries experiencing a decrease in tobacco use prevalence. However, the Region also shows the slowest rate of decline, with a projected relative reduction of 13% from 2010 to 2025. Despite overall improvements, only six out of 27 countries in the Region are on track to meet the global target of a 30% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025. In addition, the use of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes, is increasing, particularly among children and young people. Accelerated action is needed to safeguard the gains of tobacco control and protect future generations from tobacco harms and nicotine addiction.
Next year marks two significant milestones: the 20th anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the midterm review of the Regional Action Plan for Tobacco Control in the Western Pacific (2020-2030). This side event will serve as a timely forum to assess progress, identify gaps and challenges, and allow Member States and partners to renew their commitment to protecting current and future generations from the harms of tobacco and nicotine products.
At this event, WHO will launch a new publication, “Two Decades of Action: Strategies to Advance Tobacco Control in the Western Pacific”, highlighting successful strategies while emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address ongoing and emerging challenges. A panel discussion will also be held to explore Member States’ experiences, persistent challenges, and immediate actions required to advance tobacco control.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr Sandro Demaio, CEO of VicHealth, Australia, with panelists from Australia, Cook Islands, and Singapore as well as representatives from the Guam Youth Congress and the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.
All delegates to the seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific are welcome to attend.
The event will be part of the Regional Committee meeting livestream coverage on X, Facebook, YouTube, and the RCM75 web page.