Tobacco
Tobacco is an important public health issue and the single most preventable cause of illness and death in the world. The latest research suggests that smoking-related mortality has risen to 7.2 million lives annually, killing more people than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Globally, the WHO European Region has the highest prevalence of tobacco smoking among adults (28%), including one of the highest smoking prevalence rates among women (19%). In addition to causing illness and death, tobacco is a driver of health inequities.
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Ireland leads the way on tobacco cessation programmes
As a recognized global leader in tobacco control, Ireland has worked hard to develop comprehensive treatment for tobacco dependence. The country’s efforts are underpinned by ambitious goals: it aims to be tobacco free by 2025 with a smoking prevalence equal to or lower than 5%.
Tobacco use and COVID-19
- Resources for tobacco use control as part of COVID-19 response
- Q&A: Tobacco and COVID-19
- WHO Scientific Brief: Smoking and COVID-19
Tobacco control: myths and realities
Do longer, healthier lives have a positive overall effect on the economy?
See the answers in our Tobacco Control Playbook
Economics of Tobacco
Tobacco taxation policy in the Republic of Moldova (2017)
More publications on tobacco taxation policies
Key policy documents
- WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
- Making tobacco a thing of the past: Roadmap of actions (2015)
Data and statistics
- Factsheets on WHO FCTC implementation through MPOWER in the WHO European Region (2020)
- Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)
Household survey for adults 15 years old and over
- Global Youth Tobacco Survey(GYTS)
School-based survey for youth 13-15 years old
- Tobacco Questions for Surveys
Set of 22 questions from the GATS that can be included in national surveys
