WHO art competition for school students
Protecting children from tobacco industry interference
Dear student,
On 31 May 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) will celebrate World No Tobacco Day.
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing about 8.3 million people a year globally. More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use, while about 1.3 million deaths result from non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
Country surveys consistently show that, in most countries, children aged 13–15 years are using tobacco and nicotine products. To protect future generations and ensure that tobacco use continues to decline, WHO is dedicating this year’s World No Tobacco Day to protecting children from tobacco industry interference.
The campaign aims to amplify young people’s voices, expose tobacco industry tactics and increase public awareness of the need to defend health policies and protect the health of future generations.
WHO stands with young people globally who demand that governments protect them against a deadly industry that targets them with harmful new products while outright lying about the health impacts.
We want you to be a part of World No Tobacco Day. So, using your imagination and creative skills, create a drawing or painting related to tobacco control and enter our art competition. Before you begin, read up on this important health issue and talk to your parents or caregivers, teachers and friends about your ideas for your artwork.
Key facts about tobacco
Tobacco is a leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment.
Tobacco kills up