Prevention and control of the use of tobacco and tobacco products is one of the most effective public health approaches to reducing morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases, the Institute of Public Health (IJZ) announced.
On the occasion of National Tobacco Control Day, this health institution reminded people of the importance of working together to preserve health and create an environment that supports healthy lifestyles.
"Prevention and control of the use of tobacco and tobacco products remains one of the most effective public health approaches to reducing morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases, including cancer and chronic diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems," the Public Health Institute pointed out.
As they stated in the statement, the latest global report by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the number of tobacco users in the world is decreasing from 1,38 billion in 2000 to 1,2 billion last year.
The Institute of Public Health pointed out that the European region, to which Montenegro belongs, still records the highest rate of tobacco product use, with 24,1 percent of adult users.
According to them, the fact that more than 40 percent of all female smokers in the world live in this region is particularly worrying.
"As well as the fact that adolescents in Europe are leading in the use of e-cigarettes, with as many as 14,3 percent of young people aged 13 to 15 using these products," the statement added.
The Institute assessed that, despite the challenges, there is room for optimism.
As they stated, several European countries are already well on their way to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the area of tobacco control.
"Experience shows that consistent implementation of measures from the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (to which Montenegro has been a signatory since 2006), including high taxes, advertising bans, support for smoking cessation and the creation of smoke-free spaces, brings measurable results within a period of five years," the statement said.
The Public Health Institute said that the health institution will continue to be a reliable partner in this process - listening to the needs of the community, promoting science-based policies, and encouraging dialogue among all relevant stakeholders.
The Institute, they said, recognizes the challenges and remains committed to improving cross-sectoral cooperation and promoting healthy choices, especially among young people.
"We believe that by taking joint steps we can create a healthier environment for all generations," the IJZ statement concludes.
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