WHO Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Use 2000–2024

Posted 07 Oct 2025

2 min read

Article Summary

Global tobacco use declined from 26.2% to 19.5% (2010-2024), India aims to reduce usage by 43%, and India enforces strict tobacco control laws amid rising e-cigarette use worldwide.

Key Highlights

Decline in Global Tobacco Use: The global prevalence of current tobacco use among adults significantly dropped from 26.2% (2010) to 19.5% (2024).
- Despite this reduction, 1 in 5 adult’s worldwide remains hooked on tobacco.
Rising Popularity of E-Cigarettes: More than 100 million people worldwide use e-cigarettes.

India’s Progress and Status

Tobacco Use in India (2024): In 2024, India accounted for approximately 243.48 million tobacco users aged 15 and older.
India on Track to Meet WHO NCD Target: India's expected relative reduction in tobacco use prevalence between 2010 and 2025 is substantially high, projected at 43%.
- WHO NCD Target to achieve a 30% reduction in tobacco use by 2025.

India’s Steps to Curb Tobacco Use

Cigarettes & 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: To create awareness & reduce the production and supply of tobacco products.
Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.

About Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

Origin: South America.
Climatic Conditions:
- Climate: Grown under a wide range of climates but requires a frost-free period of 90 to 120 days.
- Temperature: 20°C–30°C ideal for growth
- Rainfall: Minimum 500 mm.
- Soil: Well-drained sandy loam or alluvial soils with good fertility.
India’s Status: 2^nd largest producer (after China) as well as 2^nd largest exporter (after Brazil).
Major Producing States: Gujarat (30% production), Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, UP and Bihar.