Anti-smoking campaign

In order to implement the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the state program "People's Health and Demographic Security" for 2021-2025, and to prevent diseases directly related to smoking, the Republic of Belarus holds a republican information and educational anti-tobacco campaign twice a year, timed to coincide with "Unified Health Days": May 31 – "World No Tobacco Day", and November 16 – Unified Health Day "World No Smoking Day. Prevention of Oncological Diseases".

The anti-tobacco campaigns of the Republic of Belarus are aimed at informing the population about the harmful health consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke, and at forming sustainable measures in civil society aimed at combating tobacco consumption. Tobacco smoking prevention in our country is carried out:

– with the involvement of representatives of healthcare organizations, educational, cultural, sports and tourism institutions, law enforcement agencies, public organizations;

– by holding open information days;

– by consulting the population in healthcare and educational institutions and at enterprises, and through mass media.

The implementation of a tough fight against tobacco influences public opinion. Monitoring the problem of smoking is crucial for informing the population. A key imperative is protecting children from the negative effects of passive smoking. The denormalization of tobacco use is being carried out by increasing its social unacceptability. Measures taken by the Republic of Belarus within the framework of the fight against smoking include:

– requirements for the packaging of tobacco and nicotine-containing products;

– prohibition of advertising and sponsorship of mass entertainment events by tobacco manufacturers;

– restriction of sales, including through vending machines, as well as public display of tobacco products;

– creation of smoke-free outdoor areas (school grounds, sports stadiums, parks, beaches);

– educating families on ways to reduce indoor air pollution from smoking, which puts children at risk;

– protecting public health policies from commercial and other interests of the tobacco industry;

– adopting price and tax measures to reduce tobacco demand;

– regulating the composition of tobacco products;

– assisting people in preventing their addiction to tobacco;

– controlling the illicit trade of tobacco products;

– prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors.

The measures listed are yielding results, and in recent years there has been a steady downward trend in tobacco consumption. However, much depends on each individual, their aspiration for health, and their refusal to engage in harmful habits, including the consumption of tobacco and nicotine-containing products.

✓1 BELMED. Instructions on the procedure for organizing medical care for smoking cessation

✓2_Tobacco (WHO information);

✓3_Everything you need to know about hookahs;

✓4_Everything you need to know about cigarettes;

✓5_Methods of overcoming and treating tobacco addiction;

✓6_List of organizations providing consultative assistance to the population of the Republic of Belarus in the development of addictions.

✓6 S.A.R.A.H. – an AI-based automated health assistant

A video on the prevention of electronic cigarette use has been developed for demonstration in work collectives.

The following materials are also available for download:

✓1 _Brochure "Electronic cigarettes"

✓2_Leaflet on places where smoking is prohibited;

✓3_Leaflet "Quit Smoking";