World No Tobacco Day 2025 celebrates progress and continues the fight for public health
Statement of Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
May 30, 2025
Washington, D.C. – On this World No Tobacco Day, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids joins the World Health Organization (WHO)in celebrating global progress in reducing tobacco use. In the past several decades, strong tobacco control policies and public health advocacy have saved millions of lives, proving that change is not only possible, but powerful.
Since 2005, tobacco use prevalence has dropped from 29.3% to a projected 19.8% in 2025. This significant decline reflects the successful implementation of the evidence-based policies outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco control (FCTC), the world’s first public health treaty.
But despite this important progress, challenges remain. This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” highlights the importance of remaining vigilant against the tobacco industry.The industry continues to use tactics to attract and addict new generations, including flavored products like fruit and candy, combined with colorful packaging and slick social media marketings.
Thanks to the leadership of governments dedicated to fulfilling their commitments under the WHO FCTC, and with the support from evidence-based initiatives like the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use, hundreds of tobacco control laws have been passed globally. These measures are instrumental in preventing addiction and fostering healthier communities. For example, in the Philippines where strong tobacco control measures have been implemented, smoking rates have declinedby 34% among adults since 2009 and 47% among youth since 2000.
Tobacco control remains one of the most effective strategies to save lives globally. On this World No Tobacco Day, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids reaffirms its commitment to working alongside governments, civil society and public health advocates across the world to expose the industry’s harmful tactics and to advance the strongest possible tobacco control policies.