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Today marks World No Tobacco Day.
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
World No Tobacco Day is celebrated annually on May 31. It was introduced by the World Health Organization in 1987, and in 1989 the WHO resolution approved the date of celebration. The main goal is to draw attention to the tobacco epidemic and the deaths from diseases caused by tobacco smoking. Since 1988, WHO has been rewarding organizations and individuals for significant contributions to the fight against smoking.
The annual event focuses on the health risks associated with tobacco and the efforts taken by WHO to reduce its use. Tobacco use is the second leading cause of death worldwide.
WHO gives six tips on how to combat smoking: monitoring tobacco use and taking action; protecting people from second-hand smoke; helping those who want to quit; warning about the dangers of smoking; banning tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; increasing taxes on tobacco products.
WHO also points out that the tobacco industry routinely misleads and misinforms the public about the health risks and dangers of tobacco and tobacco smoke and the economic impact of smoking bans. The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars each year to market its products to young people, focusing on entertainment and family events, cinemas, the Internet, fashion magazines, and concerts and sporting events.
On February 27, 2005, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control entered into force, having already been ratified by 164 countries. Ukraine signed it in 2004 and ratified it in 2006. Thus, the state assumed the obligation to accept all its conditions at the national, regional and international levels in order to constantly and significantly reduce the consumption of tobacco and tobacco smoke.