Tobacco industry interference with children's health
WHO will celebrate World No Tobacco Day on 31 May 2024.
About 8.3 million people die every year due to the tobacco problem, which is one of the world's biggest public health threats. About 1.3 million deaths result from secondhand smoke exposure by nonsmokers, while more than 7 million deaths result from direct tobacco use.
It has been reported that, in most countries, children between the ages of 13 and 15 use tobacco and nicotine products. During World No Tobacco Day this year, WHO will dedicate attention to protecting children from tobacco industry interference to protect future generations and ensure that tobacco use continues to decline.
As part of the campaign, young people's voices will be amplified, tobacco industry tactics will be exposed, and public awareness about the need to defend health policies will be increased.
The World Health Organization supports young people across the globe who demand that governments protect them from a deadly industry that targets them with harmful new products while lying about their health risks.
Using your imagination and creative skills, create a drawing or painting related to tobacco control and enter our art competition on World No Tobacco Day. Before you start, discuss your artwork ideas with your parents or caregivers, teachers, and friends. Please read up on this critical health issue and discuss it with them.
Tobacco facts
There is no doubt that tobacco is one of the world's leading causes of death, illness, and poverty.
It is estimated that tobacco kills millions of people each year, including nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke.
80% of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2020, 22.3% of the world's population used tobacco: 36.7% of men and 7.8% of women.
A WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control was adopted in 2003 by WHO Member States to address the tobacco problem. Currently, 182 countries are Parties to this Convention.
There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco, and all forms of tobacco use are harmful. The most common form of tobacco use is cigarette smoking. Waterpipe tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, roll-your-own tobacco, pipe tobacco, bidis and kreteks, and smokeless tobacco are also tobacco products.
As dangerous as traditional tobacco, new forms of smoking, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, cause deadly diseases and harmful health effects.
There is a role for everyone.
As individuals or as a community, we can all contribute to protecting young people from tobacco industry tactics. We can make a difference by telling more children and adults about this problem and engaging with organizations, groups, and individuals who can help.
Entry requirements
To enter, you must be between 7 and 17 years old and live in one of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region countries or territories.
You have until 15 April 2024 to submit your entry.
We require you to submit a drawing or painting you created yourself. Scan your artwork digitally (using a high-quality scanner).
To qualify for the competition, you must also fill out the form below with your details - type or write your answers clearly in pen. Your parent/ legal guardian must also sign the form.
For the subject line of your email, type: "WNTD24 Art Competition". Email the scans of your artwork and the signed entry form to the WHO country office where you live.
It is only possible to consider entries with the required information.