Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria — The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm over a growing youth vaping epidemic, reporting that more than 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 now use e-cigarettes globally.
The new Global Tobacco Report 2024 released on Monday, estimates over 100 million people worldwide vape — including 86 million adults and 15 million children — a trend experts say threatens two decades of progress in tobacco control.
“E-cigarettes are fuelling a new generation of nicotine addicts,” said Dr Etienne Krug, WHO Director for Health Determinants. “They are marketed as safe alternatives but in reality, hook kids earlier.”
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that tobacco companies are “fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people.”
While smoking rates have fallen by 27 per cent since 2000, the tobacco industry has pivoted to flavoured vapes and nicotine pouches to attract youth.
WHO is urging governments to tighten e-cigarette laws, ban youth advertising, raise taxes, and enforce school-based awareness campaigns.
“Governments must act faster and stronger to protect children,” Dr Tedros said.
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Otamere Gladness 
Hussaini Ibrahim