In a shocking report released on May 30, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the alarming rise in youth tobacco addiction, attributing much of this crisis to flavored tobacco and nicotine products.
A global health crisis disguised in sweet flavors
In a report by insightghana.com.gh, the WHO warned that these flavored items are luring millions of young people into a lifetime of addiction, with potentially deadly consequences.
Marking World No Tobacco Day, the organisation appealed to governments worldwide to take immediate action to ban flavors that mask the dangers associated with tobacco products.
WHO’s investigation revealed that flavored tobacco products, often marketed as “sweet” or “fruity,” are strategically designed to appeal specifically to youth, making it more likely for them to start smoking and subsequently become addicted.
According to the WHO, flavors such as menthol, bubble gum, and cotton candy are not harmless; they are deliberate tools used to attract young users and trap them in a cycle of addiction and disease.
These products are aggressively marketed in appealing packaging, making them particularly tempting for teenagers and young adults.
“Flavors are fuelling a new wave of addiction and should be banned. They undermine decades of progress in tobacco control,” stated WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
A gateway to lifelong health risks
The WHO report emphasises the alarming rise in youth tobacco use, particularly in areas where flavored products are heavily marketed.
The consequences of this are dire: tobacco use claims over 8 million lives annually, with youth addiction exacerbating the epidemic.
The WHO highlighted that flavored tobacco and nicotine products not only encourage youth initiation but also make it more difficult to quit once an addiction is established.
These sweetened products are linked to severe health issues, including fatal lung diseases and chronic respiratory conditions.
Even traditional cigarettes, responsible for killing half of their long-term users, are now sold with flavor enhancements or come with accessories that allow for flavor additions.
Youth-friendly flavors hide a deadly truth
The WHO urges governments globally to take swift action by banning flavored tobacco products and enforcing stricter regulations to protect future generations from the deadly grip of tobacco addiction.
The organisation’s call to action is grounded in the mounting evidence that flavored products are often the first point of contact for young users.
The attractive aroma and taste of these products distract from their toxic ingredients, giving youth a false sense of safety.
This deceptive nature poses one of the most significant barriers to global tobacco control efforts.
WHO’s call to action: Protect the next generation
To safeguard children and future generations, the WHO is urging nations to implement strict bans on all forms of flavored tobacco and nicotine products—including nicotine pouches, cigarettes, hookahs, and e-cigarettes.
The organisation believes that only through bold policy actions can we avoid a looming public health crisis and curb the rising tide of youth addiction.
As countries review their tobacco control strategies, the WHO’s warning serves as a reminder that flavors are more than just a marketing tactic; they represent a serious danger to global health.
Will governments heed this warning, or will flavored tobacco continue to claim young lives?
The fate of millions hangs in the balance.
Ghanaweb
