The Facts
A report released Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows global tobacco use is dropping, as one in five adults reported using tobacco in 2022 — down from one in three in 2000.
In a statement, the Director of the WHO Department of Health Promotion said that it's important to avoid complacency in the face of the progress of curtailing tobacco use, as well as what he deemed efforts by the tobacco industry to "pursue profits at the expense of countless lives."
The Spin
Narrative A
This is great news for the health of the world, and it's obvious that countries that have implemented some of the suggestions from the WHO to counter Big Tobacco are getting results. It's time to start regulating e-cigarettes the same as regular tobacco products, and maybe even go as far as to put warning labels on individual products. Health authorities worldwide are winning this battle, but they must not relent.
Narrative B
Although the tobacco industry is pushing against WHO recommendations for reducing global tobacco use, the WHO must also consider other factors that may slow progress. People in countries where there's great trauma and/or countries involved in violent conflict might find their populations turning to tobacco for relief. The WHO will need to do more to offer alternatives and financial support to some nations and also consider unique cultural circumstances.
