Why We Celebrate World No Tobacco Day: The Meaning Behind May 31st

Have you ever wondered why there’s a special day dedicated entirely to saying no to tobacco? Every year on May 31st, we celebrate World No Tobacco Day, a global event initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco use and encourage people to quit smoking.

A Brief History:

World No Tobacco Day first started in 1987. It began as a way to draw global attention to the devastating effects tobacco can have on individuals, families, and communities. The idea was simple: to dedicate one full day to informing and motivating people around the globe to commit to tobacco-free lives.

Since then, each year, World No Tobacco Day carries a unique theme aimed at addressing different aspects of tobacco-related harm. Themes over the years have included" Threat to our Environment," “Grow food, not tobacco”, and "Commit to Quit," helping people everywhere understand various issues around tobacco consumption.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025 is "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products." This year’s campaign aims to expose the manipulative strategies used by tobacco and nicotine companies to attract young people and disguise the deadly reality of their products.

Theme of the Year

Key industry tactics include:

•  Flavored Tobacco Products: There are currently more than 16,000 distinct flavors marketed globally, ranging from candy and fruit to menthol and mint. These appealing flavors are proven to significantly increase tobacco initiation among young people (WHO, 2025).
•  Glamourized Marketing: Tobacco companies use sleek, attractive packaging, social media influencers, and vibrant advertising campaigns targeting youth demographics, presenting tobacco use as trendy, safe, and desirable (CDC, 2025).
• Deceptive Designs: Products such as e-cigarettes and vapes are often designed to resemble common items like USB sticks, pens, or even toys, making them more attractive and less conspicuous to young users (Truth Initiative, 2025).

This theme is particularly relevant today as the global tobacco industry increasingly targets young populations, fostering lifelong addiction and increased health risks.

Why is it Celebrated?

Tobacco doesn't just harm smokers; it affects everyone around them. Globally, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, including about 1.2 million deaths resulting from second-hand smoke exposure. Tobacco use leads to serious illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory diseases, and stroke. Beyond health impacts, tobacco use results in significant economic costs, including medical expenses and productivity losses (WHO, 2025).

World No Tobacco Day is celebrated to raise awareness about these risks, encourage government actions, and mobilize communities towards creating tobacco-free environments.

The Global Impact, With a Lens on India

Tobacco is not just a personal problem. It’s a public health crisis.

• Every year, over 8 million people die worldwide from tobacco-related illnesses (WHO, 2024). 
•  In India alone, tobacco kills more than 1.3 million people annually.
•  More than 267 million Indians use some form of tobacco — be it smoking, chewing, or sniffing (GATS 2, 2016-17).
•  India spends a staggering ₹1.04 lakh crore ($17 billion) every year on treating diseases caused by tobacco.

The economic burden is also immense, with healthcare costs and lost productivity significantly affecting India's socio-economic development (Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2025).

Tobacco Industry Tactics

Tobacco companies adopt sophisticated methods to attract and retain users, especially among young and vulnerable populations:

•  Targeting Youth: Companies aggressively market flavored products, employ youth-centric advertisements, and utilize social media platforms popular among teenagers.
•  Spreading Misinformation: Tobacco companies often mislead consumers with claims of "safer" tobacco alternatives, which are scientifically unfounded.
• Exploiting Vulnerable Communities: Marketing strategies disproportionately target low-income neighborhoods, making tobacco easily accessible and affordable, normalizing its usage within these communities.

What Can You Do on World No Tobacco Day?

Here are several impactful ways to observe and contribute to World No Tobacco Day:   

1. Commit to Quit: Smokers can choose this day to start their journey toward quitting, utilizing available support resources and counseling services.
2. Support Others: Encourage friends or family members who smoke to consider quitting, providing them with emotional and practical support.
3. Spread Awareness: Share accurate information about tobacco's harmful effects and industry tactics on your social media platforms.
4. Join Community Events: Participate in local campaigns or events promoting tobacco-free lifestyles and awareness about the harmful impacts of tobacco.

Making a Lasting Impact

World No Tobacco Day is not just about a single day—it is about creating sustainable, long-term change. Quitting tobacco leads to improved health, economic savings, and protection for loved ones from second-hand smoke. Every effort counts in the fight against tobacco use.

Together, we can breathe easier, live healthier, and build a tobacco-free future.

Join millions worldwide this May 31st in celebrating World No Tobacco Day because every breath counts!