As World No Tobacco Day approaches on May 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) is pulling back the curtain on how tobacco giants continue to prey on marginalized communities. This year’s theme, ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,’ spotlights the slick strategies used to hook new generations. 💨
From flashy social media campaigns to flavored vapes marketed like candy, companies are accused of luring youth and low-income populations into nicotine addiction. 🌟 "It’s not just about cigarettes anymore," says health advocate Poppie Mphuthing. "They’re rebranding addiction as empowerment while communities pay the price."
Globally, over 8 million people die yearly from tobacco-related illnesses—many in developing nations where regulations lag. The WHO urges governments to crack down on predatory marketing and prioritize public health over profits. 🛑
Got thoughts? Drop a comment below—and maybe skip that smoke break today. 🚭
