World no tobacco day 2026: Unmasking the appeal of tobacco to better understand its mechanisms

World No Tobacco Day 2026 stands out as a key moment to better understand the evolving forms of attractiveness of tobacco and nicotine.

This 2026 edition is built around a strong theme: “Unmasking the appeal, addressing nicotine and tobacco dependence.” The objective is no longer limited to reminding people of the risks, but to understand why tobacco continues to attract users despite the widespread availability of information about its harmful effects.

This approach highlights a clear paradox: although the dangers of tobacco are well known, its image remains associated with ideas such as pleasure, freedom, and stress management. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco is responsible for more than 8 million deaths worldwide each year, underlining the importance of better understanding the mechanisms involved.