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- Every May 31
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World No Tobacco Day, held every May 31 by the World Health Organization, spreads crucial awareness about the severe health risks of tobacco use. Join global efforts to reduce consumption and advocate for policies that create a tobacco-free future. Support public health initiatives and encourage loved ones to quit smoking today.
Want to sponsor World No Tobacco Day? Learn how
Expected World No Tobacco Day Deals
For World No Tobacco Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to vital public health initiatives and fundraising. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids partner with global health bodies to launch awareness campaigns, provide cessation resources, and advocate for stronger tobacco control policies. Many local health departments and non-profits offer free quitline services, educational materials, and community events to support individuals in their journey to quit. Corporate partners often engage in donation-matching programs or sponsor public service announcements. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns and resources as May 31 approaches, encouraging everyone to contribute to a healthier, tobacco-free world.
Platform Guide for World No Tobacco Day
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Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldNoTobaccoDay. Share impactful statistics, policy updates, and personal stories of quitting to raise awareness.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldNoTobaccoDay. Post educational graphics, host a live Q&A with health experts, or share resources for quitting.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldNoTobaccoDay. Create visually engaging infographics, share success stories, or launch a challenge to encourage healthier habits.
World No Tobacco Day Hero
Gro Harlem Brundtland
History of World No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day is an initiative by the World Health Organization and is observed on May 31 every year. The campaign aims to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco and its negative impact on health, as well as the exploitation of the nicotine industry that is geared towards the youth in particular. It also aims to reduce the diseases and deaths caused by tobacco consumption. The World No Tobacco Day theme for 2021 is “Commit to Quit.”
The Member States of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 as a response to the global tobacco crisis and the diseases and deaths caused by the epidemic. The World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38 in 1987, calling for April 7 to be “World No-Smoking Day.” Next, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed in 1988, issuing May 31 as an annual observance of World No Tobacco Day.
The World Health Organization reports 8 million deaths every year due to the consumption of tobacco. Tobacco is the leading cause of respiratory disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, and other lung diseases. In 2008, the WHO banned any kind of advertisement or promotion of tobacco. As the world’s most populated country, China is the leader in the cigarette industry. More than 30% of the total cigarettes in the world were produced and consumed in China in 2014.
World No Tobacco Day timeline
Health warnings first appear on U.S. tobacco and cigarette packaging.
The World Health Organization creates World No Tobacco Day to tackle the tobacco epidemic.
Resolution WHA42.19 is passed, designating May 31 as the celebration of World No Tobacco Day.
The World Health Organization adopts the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which promotes awareness against smoking with the use of labels.
How Businesses Can Celebrate World No Tobacco Day
Local businesses can demonstrate their commitment to public health on World No Tobacco Day by implementing smoke-free policies, if they haven’t already, and promoting cessation resources to their employees and customers. Restaurants and cafes could offer special ‘healthy living’ menu items or partner with local health organizations to distribute educational flyers. Pharmacies and healthcare providers can highlight nicotine replacement therapies and counseling services. Consider sponsoring a community walk or run to raise awareness for a tobacco-free future, aligning your brand with a vital cause.
By The Numbers
100 million – the estimated number of people killed by smoking during the 20th century.
16 million – the number of adults in the U.S who are living with a disease attributed to smoking.
8 million – the number of people who died from smoking in 2017.
15% – the percentage of global deaths that are attributed to smoking.
70 – the age over which more than half of the deaths occur due to smoking.
1-in-5 – the number of adults in the world who smoke tobacco.
80% – the percentage of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users who live in low- and middle-income countries.
7 million – the number of deaths among the 1.3 billion tobacco users that occured due to direct smoking.
1.2 million – the number of deaths among the 1.3 billion tobacco users that occurred due to secondhand smoking.
World No Tobacco Day FAQs
When is World No Tobacco Day?
In 2027, World No Tobacco Day will be observed on Monday, May 31. This consistent date serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing fight against tobacco-related diseases worldwide.
How many people die from tobacco-related illnesses each year?
The grim statistic of roughly 8 million annual deaths linked to tobacco use underscores the urgency of World No Tobacco Day. Projections indicate this number could rise further without sustained intervention.
What is the economic impact of tobacco use?
Beyond the human toll, tobacco use imposes an immense financial burden on healthcare systems and economies worldwide. This staggering economic impact reinforces the need for robust tobacco control measures and cessation support.
What is the theme for World No Tobacco Day?
Each year’s theme for World No Tobacco Day guides advocacy and public health campaigns. The 2027 theme will likely continue to highlight critical areas for action, such as promoting cessation or combating new nicotine products.
How to Observe World No Tobacco Day
Count the number of cigarettes you smoke
You might not be ready to quit, and who can blame you? It's tough. But you can start laying the groundwork for your exit by counting the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day. You'll start to think more about your health and the amount of money you put into tobacco. When you're ready to take the plunge, there are plenty of self-help books that will guide you through the early rocky stages. You can do it!
Educate the youth
As they say, the best way to quit smoking is to never start. So try and encourage young people around you to avoid the habit altogether. Depending on where you live, there might be a march or some public demonstrations. Maybe you can design a cool poster to help promote them. Better yet, hold a contest to see who can create the best anti-smoking poster. Teenagers can be a bit mischievous, so you'll want to clearly define what's “appropriate” before they hit you with the final reveal.
Lobby for sticker laws
Warning labels on cigarette boxes deter people from smoking. Petition to support these laws so that the trend continues to gain momentum. Also, plain packaging laws could also use some more backing. These laws place restrictions on the logos and colors of tobacco products, which make them tougher to sell. You know how you can't judge a book by its cover? Well, people definitely judge a product by its packaging. If label looks drab, we're less likely to pay it any mind, and that's totally not shallow. It's not like tobacco has a good personality on the inside.
5 Horrifying Facts About Smoking
Tobacco is full of chemicals
There are more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Some chemicals can cause cancer
69 of these harmful chemicals are known to cause cancer.
Smoking laws aren’t widespread
Only 20% of the world's population is protected by smoking laws, mostly in high-income countries.
The coming generations will also be affected
Statistics predict that 5.6 million children living in the U.S. today will die of a smoking-related disease.
Smoking can literally kill you
There is enough nicotine in five cigarettes to kill an average adult if ingested whole.
Why World No Tobacco Day is Important
It shows us how the tobacco industry contributes to poverty
Around 80% of deaths due to tobacco happen in low and middle income countries. In other words,the poorest people are the ones most negatively affected. Due to addiction, money that could be used on education, food, or health care, goes to tobacco. Over the years, this decreases productivity and drives up the cost of health care. That’s not a pretty picture for any income, and it's a sure-fire way to keep the less fortunate impoverished.
It warns us of the dangers of second-hand smoke
Second-hand smoke causes over 600,000 deaths a year. Sadly, about 28% of the victims are kids. But considering that nearly 50% of children breathe smoky air in public places, we're lucky that the rate isn't higher. Many cities and states already have public smoking bans, but it will take more work to get everybody on board. This is one time when you can jump on the bandwagon without losing any cool points—we promise.
It demonstrates how the tobacco industry damages the environment
Growing tobacco takes a lot of pesticides and fertilizers. Some of these toxic elements can seep into water supplies, but the damage doesn't stop there. The manufacturing process creates more than 2 million tons of waste and consumes 4.3 million hectares of land. It's estimated that this contributes between 2% and 4% of the world's deforestation. If you like to breathe air (we're pretty big fans of it), it's worth saving as much of our forests as possible. A few less tobacco farms could help.
Social Media Tips for World No Tobacco Day
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