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Tobacco health topic

Shisha use is growing among young people

Image shows a young girl smoking shisha.The Region has the second highest rate in the world of girls’ use of tobacco products other than cigarettes. Many of today’s children are tomorrow’s victims of tobacco. Tobacco use, which generally starts during adolescence, is rising among young people. Addiction to nicotine ensures that many continue to use tobacco into adulthood.

Tobacco use among young people age 13–15 around the world is increasing. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 14% of boys and 9% of girls currently use tobacco products other than cigarettes, including shisha and smokeless tobacco; making this the Region with the second highest rate in the world of girls’ use of tobacco products other than cigarettes.

Young people need to be empowered with information about the harmful effects of tobacco use, their right to live in a smoke-free environment and be provided with cessation services.

Implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control can protect young people against the harms of tobacco use. Article 16 specifically addresses the prohibition of the sale of tobacco products to legal minors.

  • Nearly 6 million people
    die every year from tobacco use
    and exposure to second-hand smoke
  • By 2030 70% of tobacco-related
    deaths will be in low and middle income
    countries