Alarming number of people now vape, says WHO

More than 100 million people — including at least 15 million children — are now using e-cigarettes, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Children are nine times more likely than adults to vape, raising serious concerns about early nicotine dependence. WHO officials warn that e-cigarettes, often marketed as “harm reduction,” are in fact hooking a new generation on nicotine and undermining decades of progress in tobacco control.

While traditional tobacco use continues to decline globally, vaping is rapidly increasing, especially in high-income countries. Yet by the end of 2024, 62 countries had no e-cigarette regulations and 74 had no minimum age for purchase.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, urged governments to act decisively:

“The tobacco industry is fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster and stronger.”

Governments, communities, and prevention professionals all have a key role to play in protecting youth and sustaining progress against addiction.