INTERNATIONAL DAY

World No Tobacco Day

On World No Tobacco Day, we listen louder, learn more, and make sure no one feels invisible.

MAY31

Monday, May 31Every year on May 31

days to go

Roots: Established by the World Health Organization in 1987
Vibe: Promoting health and awareness globally
Also on May 31: International Flight Attendant Day · Autonomous Vehicle Day · Macaroon Day
Hashtag: #WorldNoTobaccoDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate World No Tobacco Day.

Share one reputable resource with your network.
Donate to a patient-led organization working on no tobacco.
Check in on someone you know who's living with it.
Book the screening or appointment you've been putting off.
Listen more than you speak.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Have the real conversation at the table — stigma-free, no lecture.
Kids
Answer questions honestly and age-appropriately.
Couples
Check in with each other's appointments, screenings, and follow-ups.
Office
Share vetted resources and encourage people to use their benefits.
School
Bring in an expert, survivor, or advocate to speak for a class period.
Community
Run a donation drive, a walk, or a listening session for those affected.
Just me
Reach out to someone you know is living with it. Ask how they're doing for real.

Plan ahead

World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sun, May 31this year

2027Mon, May 31

2028Wed, May 31

2029Thu, May 31

2030Fri, May 31

2031Sat, May 31

2032Mon, May 31

2033Tue, May 31

2034Wed, May 31

2035Thu, May 31

2036Sat, May 31

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Fast facts

Smoking causes over 8 million deaths annually worldwide

Approximately 28.8 millionAdults in the U.S. smoked in 2022

The story

World No Tobacco Day is an annual event recognized on May 31, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987. This observance aims to illuminate the global tobacco epidemic and its health consequences, urging nations to implement effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Each year, the WHO selects a specific theme to draw attention to various aspects of tobacco use, ranging from its environmental impact to the benefits of quitting.

Read the full story

In the United States, tobacco use remains a significant public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 28.8 million adults smoked cigarettes in 2022, contributing to various health issues such as lung cancer and heart disease. Programs aimed at cessation, like the CDC's Tips From Former Smokers, have proven effective in motivating individuals to quit. These initiatives are critical, as the economic burden of smoking-related illnesses is substantial, costing the U.S. over $300 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity.

Internationally, the tobacco epidemic does not discriminate; it affects people from all walks of life. In low- and middle-income countries, tobacco consumption is rising as companies target new markets. World No Tobacco Day provides an opportunity for countries to unite in their efforts to combat this issue. WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) aims to curb tobacco use globally, and many nations have adopted stricter regulations around advertising and smoking in public places.

As we observe World No Tobacco Day, it is essential to foster conversations about the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of cessation. Communities can organize events, engage in social media campaigns, and create supportive environments for those trying to quit. Collectively, we can pave the way for a healthier future, free from the burdens of tobacco.