World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed annually on May 31st to raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption worldwide.
The 2024 WNTD theme focuses on stopping the tobacco industry from targeting children with harmful products. With this theme in mind, the National Cancer Registry (NCR), housed within the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), collaborated with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) on the 24th of May 2024 to educate learners of Royal Schools Alberton about the dangers of tobacco use.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, an estimated 37 million children aged 13–15 years use tobacco. In many countries, the rate of e-cigarette use among adolescents exceeds that of adults. Despite significant progress in reducing tobacco use, the emergence of e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products present a grave threat to youth as well as to tobacco control.
Tobacco industries are intentionally designing products and utilising marketing strategies that appeal directly to children. By using child-friendly flavours such as cotton candy and bubble gum, combined with sleek and colourful designs that resemble toys, these industries aim to get young people addicted to these harmful products. These deceptive tactics highlight the urgent need for strong regulations to protect young people from a lifetime of harmful dependence.
Governments, public health organisations, civil society, as well as empowered youth can work together to create a future where the next generation is free from the dangers of tobacco addiction. By protecting our children from the harmful effects of tobacco, we are taking a crucial step towards reducing cancer rates and ensuring a healthier future for all.
Kind regards,
National Cancer Registry
National Institute for Communicable Diseases
Division of the National Health Laboratory Service
