Washington (SmartAboutHealth) - It has become very clear and apparent that there is a need to try and stop the big tobacco companies from advertising directly to women and the youth, as this is the focus of this year’s World No Tobacco Day.

World No Tobacco Day started back in the year 1978 and ever since then it has been held each and every year as a reminder to people to put a stop to the use of tobacco.

The day was initially created by the member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) and has expanded each and every year, with each year having its own theme.

The theme of this year is “Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women.”

The theme revolves around the fact that the tobacco industry, more and more, is aiming their marketing campaigns towards both women as well as teenagers all around the world.

Roughly 40% of men smoke cigarettes, compared to only around 9% of women.

This leaves the tobacco industry constantly going towards women to increase that percentage as they see them as major customers.

This does not stop with women though, as tobacco companies are marketing towards kids as well giving out book bags and other items.

The WHO has called their tactics “deceitful” as well as “aggressive,” and it has to come to a stop.

The hope is that this year’s World No Tobacco Day will start a lengthy campaign that will help limit the marketing directly towards women and kids.