31st May is observed worldwide as World No Tobacco Day (WNTD).

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Created in the year 1987 by the Member States of the World Health Organization,  World No Tobacco Day is an annual celebration which informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what World Health Organization is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and how can people prevent themselves from the tobacco products.

It was formed to bring global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. The day is further intended to draw attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to negative health effects.

According to WHO estimates:

• Tobacco kills up to half of its users.
• Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year.
• More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
• In the USA, tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of death and disease. It causes several types of cancers, as well as lungs and heart diseases, strokes, and multiple other health problems.
• Over 80% of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries.

It's usually said:

Tobacco companies kill their best customers.

Across the globe, tobacco companies have deliberately employed several strategic, aggressive, and well-resourced tactics to attract youth to tobacco and nicotine products for decades now. These companies spend millions of dollars in researches and marketing campaigns which have one goal only that is how to lure the younger population into using their products. They have to bring in new customers to replace millions of their old customers who die annually from tobacco-related diseases.

Researches show that most people who smoke started when they were teenagers. The younger someone is when they begin to use tobacco and nicotine products, the more likely they are to become addicted. This is why it’s so important for young people to stay away from smoking and vaping. It's also the very reason tobacco companies are always finding new ways to entice younger crowds. According to WHO, tobacco companies use these ways to appeal to young people:

Multiple Flavors:

Some tobacco and nicotine products come in various flavors like mint, cherry, bubble gum, cotton candy, etc. to appeal to youth.

Different Designs:

Certain types of products are shaped like USB sticks or candy, making them attractive, easy to carry, and easy to hide.

False And Unproven Claims:

Tobacco companies sometimes say certain products, such as vaping devices, are “cleaner” or “less harmful” than smoking, even though there is not enough scientific evidence to back up those claims.

Endorsements:

Multiple contests , paid celebrities, and online “influencers” are used to promote products on different social media platforms.

Placement of tobacco products:

Placing products in stores near sweets, snacks, and sodas make it more likely young people will see them.

Movies and TV shows:

Showing tobacco and nicotine products in movies, TV, and streaming shows can make them seem appealing.

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In the USA, tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of death and disease. It might very well be true for several other countries but we don't have reliable stats on them for different reasons. It's proven that tobacco contains numerous carcinogenic chemicals and It causes many types of cancers, as well as heart diseases, strokes, chronic lung diseases, and other health problems. So if we want to live healthy lives, we should say no to smoking and it's imperative that all governments fight the war against tobacco on all fronts.