India, Feb. 5 -- The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that health promotion and disease prevention are fundamental to economic growth and stability. With noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) causing 74% of all deaths globally, India must prioritize actions to protect the health of its citizens and prevent premature disease and death.

Tobacco is the world's leading cause of avoidable death, claiming over one million lives annually in India and significantly draining the economy. The economic burden of tobacco use in India is estimated to exceed Rs.1.04 lakh crore (approximately $15 billion) annually, including healthcare expenses and productivity losses due to tobacco-related diseases and premature deaths. This figure represents about 1% of I...