The 2026 theme: Unmasking the appeal
WHO announced the 2026 theme on 17 October 2025. It focuses on how the tobacco and nicotine industry repackages products to attract new users, especially young people: flavours, sleek designs, nicotine salts and synthetic nicotine, and marketing on social media.
- At least 40 million children aged 13 to 15 use at least one tobacco product, according to WHO.
- At least 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 already use e-cigarettes.
- In countries with data, children are on average nine times more likely than adults to vape.
History of World No Tobacco Day
The World Health Assembly created the day in 1987 to draw attention to the deaths and disease caused by tobacco. It has been marked every year on 31 May since 1988, with a new theme each year.
Ways to take part
- Quit, or set a quit date. Use the quit smoking or quit vaping tracker to see money and health milestones.
- Share a poster at school, work, a clinic or online.
- Point someone to free help. Quitlines are free in many countries: find yours.
- Talk to young people about how flavours and design are used to sell nicotine.
Anti-smoking slogans you can use
- Flavours are the bait. Don't take it.
- Every cigarette you don't smoke is a win.
- Every smoke-free day counts.
- Nicotine is the product. You're the customer they want.
- Your lungs can begin to recover when you stop.