Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025

Posted 22 Jul 2025

Updated 25 Jul 2025

3 min read

Why in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) released tenth report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025.

Key findings of report

WHO MPOWER measures: Since 2007, 155 countries have implemented at least one of those policy prescriptions which have benefitted over 6.1 billion people.
- MPOWER Initiative has six components such as Monitor, Protect, Warning, Offer help, Enforce and Raise taxes.
Most implemented measure: Of all MPOWER measures, large graphic health warnings on cigarette packages have seen the most progress.
Effectiveness of Mass media campaigns: India has implemented stringent measures to curb tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) across all media, becoming the first country to apply tobacco control regulations to digital streaming content.
Taxation: Tobacco tax is the least-adopted MPOWER measure. In India, Trend in per capita GDP needed to buy cigarettes decreased since 2014.
Smoking related deaths: Over 7 million deaths annually from tobacco-related diseases.

About the Tobacco

Species: Over 60 species, with N. tabacum and N. rustica (Aztec tobacco) commonly cultivated. It belongs to the nightshade family and indigenous to South America.
Climate: Requires frost-free period of 90-120 days from transplanting to final harvest.
Temperature: Mean daily temperature of 20-30°C with dry harvesting period.
Soil: Prefers sandy or sandy loam but varies as per variety but sensitive to waterlogging; requires well-aerated, well-drained soils.
Rainfall: Minimum 500 mm; not suitable above 1200 mm.
Production: India is the world's 2nd largest producer (after China) and 2nd largest exporter of unmanufactured tobacco by quantity (after Brazil).
- Major states: Gujarat, AP, UP, Karnataka, West Bengal, Telangana, and Bihar.
  - Gujarat accounts for 45% of production with highest productivity, followed by AP.
  - The Tobacco Board of India (Guntur, AP) ensures the smooth functioning of the farming system and to ensure fair and remunerative prices for tobacco farmers and the promotion of exports.

Various steps taken to tackle the tobacco epidemic

Global (other than MPOWER):
- WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC): Adopted in 2003, more than 180 countries have ratified it. (India became a Party to Convention in 2005)
- 3 by 35 Initiative (WHO): To increase prices of any or all of three– tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035.
India
- Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003: Prohibits smoking in public places; ban on sale of tobacco products to minors, etc.
- Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2022: Provided images for display on package with health warnings.
- National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP): To create awareness and reduce the production and supply of tobacco products.
- Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.

Conclusion

Implementing robust monitoring systems, increasing tobacco taxation and prices, strong legislations with strong enforcement, efforts to raise awareness and addressing tobacco industry interference can be effective in tackling the tobacco epidemic.