KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Dr. Edwin Senyza Salvador, the WHO representative in Afghanistan, said on World No Tobacco Day that protecting the people of Afghanistan from the harmful effects of tobacco is a shared responsibility.
May 31 has been designated as World No Tobacco Day.
In a message marking the occasion, the WHO representative in Afghanistan said that exposing the true nature of tobacco means choosing a healthier future for Afghanistan.
On Sunday, May 31, WHO Afghanistan posted on its X page that the tobacco industry hides the deadly risks of its products behind deceptive tactics, including adding sweet flavors—a strategy that targets especially young people.
According to the WHO office in Afghanistan, one out of every four adults in the country uses tobacco. The most common form of tobacco consumption in Afghanistan is naswar, or smokeless tobacco.
It is also reported that tobacco use is increasing among young people in Afghanistan, particularly among adolescent boys.
World No Tobacco Day was established in 1987 by WHO member states to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. It is observed every year on May 31 to raise awareness, encourage quitting, and press policymakers and governments to take action.
In Afghanistan, tobacco use remains widespread. There is no effective national policy in place, and low levels of public awareness contribute to thousands of deaths each year.
Health experts warn that both smoking and smokeless forms of tobacco, such as naswar, can lead to long-term illnesses including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. The situation is particularly concerning among young people, where increasing exposure and early initiation raise the risk of lifelong addiction and health complications.
Public health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of awareness campaigns, stronger regulations, and smoke-free environments to reduce tobacco consumption and protect future generations.
Data from the Tobacco Atlas shows that more than 9,000 people die annually from smoking-related illnesses in Afghanistan. The economic burden is also significant. The total cost of smoking and tobacco use in the country is estimated at over 9.2 billion Afghanis — roughly $130 million every year.
