The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that brightly colored nicotine pouches are driving a significant rise in nicotine use among young people worldwide, according to a recent report.
In the report, WHO described how manufacturers employ deceptive tactics to normalize nicotine use for younger demographics. These strategies include leveraging social media influencers and promoting products at music festivals and sporting events aimed specifically at youth. The packaging of these pouches often mimics popular candy brands, making them appealing to young consumers.
According to WHO’s findings, retail sales of nicotine pouches exceeded 23 billion units in 2024, with the global market valued at nearly $7 billion that year. However, regulation remains inadequate for many countries: only a few dozen nations have specific regulations governing these products, and fewer than two dozen ban their sale entirely.
Vinayak Prasad, Head of WHO’s Tobacco Free Initiative, emphasized the need for governments to act swiftly with strong evidence-based safeguards against nicotine pouches. He highlighted that nicotine is highly addictive and particularly harmful to children, adolescents, and young adults whose brains are still developing. Early exposure can affect attention, learning, and brain development, potentially leading to long-term dependence on other tobacco products.
The report also noted the industry’s marketing strategies, which include bright, discreet packaging; sweet flavors like bubble gum and gummy bears; extensive promotion through social media platforms; sponsorship of concerts, festivals, and sporting events; and aspirational lifestyle advertising encouraging discreet use in schools and smoke-free environments. These tactics are designed to target young consumers effectively.
WHO recommends comprehensive regulations covering all tobacco and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches. The suggested measures include banning or strictly limiting flavors, prohibiting advertising, promotion, and sponsorship on social media platforms, introducing strong age-verification systems for retail sales, requiring plain packaging with clear health warnings, setting limits on nicotine content, raising taxes to reduce affordability and discourage youth use, monitoring usage trends and industry marketing tactics, and strengthening enforcement measures.
This report forms part of the broader WHO campaign leading up to World No Tobacco Day, which this year focuses on nicotine addiction and the industry’s efforts to hook a new generation. The increasing prevalence of nicotine pouches among young people underscores the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks to protect public health.
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HEC Appoints Rector NUST as National Chair to Spearhead Pakistan's AI & Robotics Transformation
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has appointed Dr. Muhammad Aslam, currently serving as the Rector of National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), as the National Chair for spearheading Pakistan’s efforts in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.
Dr. Aslam will lead a national committee tasked with developing strategic plans to enhance AI and robotics education, research, and innovation across Pakistani universities. His appointment aims to leverage NUST's expertise and resources to drive advancements in these critical fields within the country.
The National Chair initiative is part of HEC’s broader strategy to foster technological development and promote Pakistan's competitiveness on a global scale. Dr. Aslam will work closely with other stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and educational institutions, to create an ecosystem conducive to AI and robotics research and application in Pakistan.
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ADB, AIIB Support 1st Panda Bond Issuance for Green Projects in Pakistan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have jointly supported the issuance of Pakistan’s first Panda bond. This $500 million green bond will be used to finance a range of sustainable infrastructure projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
The issuance marks a significant step forward for Pakistan's efforts in promoting green growth and addressing climate change challenges. The funds raised will support initiatives such as renewable energy projects, public transportation systems, water management programs, and waste-to-energy facilities.
ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa and AIIB President Jin Liqun expressed their commitment to supporting sustainable development in Pakistan through this innovative financing mechanism. They highlighted the importance of leveraging international capital for green infrastructure investments that align with global environmental goals.
The Panda bond program allows Chinese financial institutions to invest in sovereign bonds issued by other ADB member countries, promoting economic cooperation and mutual benefits among Asian nations. This collaboration between ADB, AIIB, and Pakistan showcases the potential for regional partnerships in addressing pressing development challenges while fostering sustainable growth.
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Previous Post:
HEC Appoints Rector NUST as National Chair to Spearhead Pakistan's AI & Robotics Transformation
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has appointed Dr. Muhammad Aslam, currently serving as the Rector of National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), as the National Chair for spearheading Pakistan’s efforts in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.
Dr. Aslam will lead a national committee tasked with developing strategic plans to enhance AI and robotics education, research, and innovation across Pakistani universities. His appointment aims to leverage NUST's expertise and resources to drive advancements in these critical fields within the country.
The National Chair initiative is part of HEC’s broader strategy to foster technological development and promote Pakistan's competitiveness on a global scale. Dr. Aslam will work closely with other stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and educational institutions, to create an ecosystem conducive to AI and robotics research and application in Pakistan.
---
Next Post:
ADB, AIIB Support 1st Panda Bond Issuance for Green Projects in Pakistan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have jointly supported the issuance of Pakistan’s first Panda bond. This $500 million green bond will be used to finance a range of sustainable infrastructure projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
The issuance marks a significant step forward for Pakistan's efforts in promoting green growth and addressing climate change challenges. The funds raised will support initiatives such as renewable energy projects, public transportation systems, water management programs, and waste-to-energy facilities.
ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa and AIIB President Jin Liqun expressed their commitment to supporting sustainable development in Pakistan through this innovative financing mechanism. They highlighted the importance of leveraging international capital for green infrastructure investments that align with global environmental goals.
The Panda bond program allows Chinese financial institutions to invest in sovereign bonds issued by other ADB member countries, promoting economic cooperation and mutual benefits among Asian nations. This collaboration between ADB, AIIB, and Pakistan showcases the potential for regional partnerships in addressing pressing development challenges while fostering sustainable growth.
