Unmask the appeal – countering tobacco and nicotine addiction
Tobacco and nicotine industries design their products to get young people stuck in a cycle of addiction.
The grip of tobacco and nicotine addiction can be broken.
#TobaccoExposed
15 million adolescents (aged 13–15) worldwide already use e-cigarettes.
In countries with available data, adolescents are on average nine times more likely to vape than adults.
40 million adolescents (aged 13–15) worldwide use tobacco.
Message by Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director
Join the movement and take action
EVENTS
Global event:
Exposing industry tactics behind nicotine pouch expansion and the regulatory implications
28 May 2026 at 7:00 a.m. (Washington, D.C., or EST)
How to quit tobacco smoking?
Here is what policymakers can do:
Ban flavours. Make flavours a thing of the past.
Regulate product design. Less appealing. Less addictive. Less toxic. Less harm.
Plain packaging. Reduce appeal, save lives.
Ban advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Out of sight, out of mind.
Tobacco and nicotine-free public places. Clean air is everyone’s right. Protect people.
Support quitting. Break the cycle of nicotine addiction.
Increase taxes. Less affordable. Less accessible.
Learn more
News
Publications
- Information sheet: Manipulation and marketing strategies used by tobacco and nicotine industries to promote their products
- Information Sheet: The role of flavours in increasing the appeal of tobacco, nicotine and related products
- Information sheet: Flavour accessories in tobacco products enhance attractiveness and appeal
- Information sheet: Understanding the design features of tobacco, nicotine and related products and their possible effects
- Electronic cigarettes: call to action
- WHO clinical treatment guideline for tobacco cessation in adults
- Restricting digital marketing in the context of tobacco, alcohol, food and beverages, and breast-milk substitutes: existing approaches and policy options
- Heated tobacco products: summary of research and evidence of health impacts
- Heated tobacco products: information sheet - 2nd edition
- Fact sheet: waterpipe tobacco smoking and health
- Exposing marketing tactics and strategies driving the global growth of nicotine pouches
Campaign resources
Social media cards
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Videos
Don’t be fooled by flavours
World No Tobacco Day 2026: Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction