Statement from TEPAV Tobacco Control Policy Research Team
World No-Tobacco Day has been with us every year on May 31st since 1987. Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the day is a reminder of the global battle against tobacco addiction.
- There are 1 billion daily tobacco users across the world and over 15 million of them are in Turkey.
- Annually, 8 million preventable deaths are associated with tobacco.
With more accessible information on the harms of tobacco addiction than ever before, the continuation of this problem for humanity indicates the need for stronger state policies. Reports on the prevalence of tobacco use indicates an increase globally since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, for example the increase due to lockdown measures in New Zealand[i] and Italy[ii], is further alarming news.
TEPAV’s Tobacco Control Policy Research Team, reiterate the call for cessation from across the world. The Team was formed to conduct in-debt research and analysis of the use of tobacco products and its industry in Turkey.
This year’s theme is Commit to Quit. Smoking is both costly and deadly. We invite all smokers to quit today and ask for help if they cannot quit by themselves. #CommitToQuit
To access TEPAV’s research into Tobacco taxation policies and affordability in Turkey, click here.
[i] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33515223/
[ii] https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2021/03/28/tobaccocontrol-2020-056440
