The Global Health Observatory
Explore a world of health data
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SDG Target 3.a Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries
Pictorial health warnings work
"Large pictorial or graphic health warnings, including plain packaging, with hard hitting messages can persuade smokers to protect the health of non-smokers by not smoking inside the home, increase compliance with smoke-free laws and encourage more people to quit tobacco use."
Bans on tobacco advertising lower consumption
"Comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship can reduce tobacco consumption."
Taxes are effective in reducing tobacco use
"Tobacco taxes are the most cost-effective way to reduce tobacco use and health care costs, especially among youth and low-income people, while increasing revenue in many countries."
Tobacco users need help to quit
"Studies show that few people understand the specific health risks of tobacco use. However, when smokers become aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit."
Illicit trade of tobacco products must be stopped
"Stopping illicit trade in tobacco products is a health priority and is achievable. But to do so requires improvement of national and sub-national tax administration systems and international collaboration. "
Summary findings
Tobacco users
1.3 billion
billion people worldwide use tobacco products
Low- and middle-income countries
> 80%
of people using tobacco products are in low- and middle-income countries
Tobacco deaths
Up to ½
of its users are killed by tobacco
GHO M_Est_tob_curr_std Estimate of current tobacco use prevalence (%) (age-standardized rate) REGIONAL DOT PLOT TEMPLATE
Gathering global data
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GHO Tobacco prevalence Age-standardized estimates of current tobacco use, tobacco smoking and cigarette smoking M_Est_tob_curr_std, M_Est_smk_curr_std, M_Est_cig_curr_std SEX
Gathering global data
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GHO Yth_curr_tob_use Map Current tobacco use youth
Gathering global data
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Tobacco control estimates
SDG Target 3.a | Tobacco control: Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in all countries, as appropriate
Tobacco control: Monitor: current tobacco use, tobacco smoking and cigarette smoking
Tobacco use, smoking, smokeless tobacco or e-cigarette use among adolescents most recent nationally representative survey
Tobacco control: Monitor: National tobacco control programmes
Tobacco control: Monitor: Compliance scores: tobacco control policies
Tobacco use, smoking, smokeless tobacco or e-cigarette use among adults most recent nationally representative survey
Related publications
Progress in reducing tobacco use is a key indicator for measuring countries’ efforts to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control....
The "WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic 2019: offer help to quit tobacco use" tracks the status of the tobacco epidemic and interventions...
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