WHO Reminds The Dangers Of Cigarettes, Children Are Higher In Risk Of Natural Stunting

Illustration of parents of smokers can increase the risk of stunting children. (Shutterstock)

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) has just issued a new document highlighting the dangers of tobacco stunting in children. Stunting is a condition of failure to grow in children under the age of five due to chronic malnutrition and repeated infections.

Stunting currently affects nearly 150 million children worldwide, most of whom are in Africa and Asia. This condition must be overcome, as stunting can increase the risk of disease, developmental delays, and even child mortality.

In its latest report, WHO says that one way to prevent stunting is to strengthen tobacco control policies. Then protect the health of children by reducing their exposure to tobacco smoke, especially when in the uterus.

"Stunting robs children of the right to grow, learn, and develop. Children with parents who smoke face a higher risk of stunting," said WHO Department of Health, Promotion and Prevention Director, Dr. Etienne Krug, quoted from the official WHO website, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

It should be noted that tobacco smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals that endanger the fetus and child development. Exposure during pregnancy contributes to restrictions on growth, congenital disorders, and chronic diseases in the future.

Exposure to cigarette smoke after birth will worsen respiratory infections. This will develop health problems in the future and increase the risk of stunting in children.

With that, WHO urges countries to fully implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and its MPOWER measures. This strategy has been proven to reduce tobacco use and protect health.

The strategic steps include protecting pregnant women and children from cigarette smoke, supporting tobacco-stopping services, especially for pregnant women, and enforcing smoke-free environments in all indoor public spaces.