World No Tobacco Day 2026: Unmasking the Appeal of Tobacco and Nicotine
World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, highlights the urgent need to combat tobacco and nicotine addiction. The 2026 World Health Organization (WHO) theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction, ” focuses on exposing industry tactics that target young people through flavored products, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches.
Tobacco remains one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, claiming over 8 million lives each year. In India, with more than 267 million tobacco users, both smoking and smokeless tobacco products continue to contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.
As cardiologists, we witness the devastating impact of tobacco on heart health every day. Quitting tobacco at any stage can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and premature death.
This World No Tobacco Day, let us commit to protecting our youth, supporting tobacco cessation, and building a healthier, tobacco-free future.
Dr Kumar Kenchappa, MD, DM, FACC, FSCAI
Consultant Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal & Yelahanka
