The Republic of Moldova is the only country in the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) where an increase in tobacco product consumption has been recorded. Aggressive marketing by the tobacco industry promotes electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, which are particularly harmful to young people. To raise awareness about the dangers of electronic cigarettes and protect youth - who are the primary target of the industry - a national anti-smoking campaign titled “Don’t get steamed” has been launched, IPN reports.
Health Minister Ala Nemerenco emphasized that there is no safe tobacco or nicotine product, calling the claims otherwise a "deception of the tobacco industry's aggressive marketing." To spread this message, especially among young people, effective communication is crucial". We want young people to inform each other because they often trust their peers more than they trust a teacher or parent", the minister noted.
Ala Nemerenco also highlighted the negative effects of tobacco consumption on the heart, blood vessels, lungs, brain, and other organs".All these harmful effects lead to severe illnesses and deaths", she said, adding that the Republic of Moldova loses up to six thousand lives annually due to tobacco use.
Education and Research Minister Dan Perciun urged young people not to fall victim to manipulative advertising promoting smoking and other harmful habits. "Be mature and rational, prioritize your health, and focus on what you think about yourself rather than what others say. Do not let others influence your life decisions", Dan Perciun advised.
"We want you to have the strength to say 'No' to electronic cigarettes and tobacco and to spread this 'No' among your peers, friends, and community," said Miljana Grbic, head of the WHO office in Moldova, addressing students at the Republican Theoretical Lyceum "Aristotel", where the national campaign was launched.
The director of the Republican Theoretical Lyceum "Aristotel," Pavel Cerbușca, encouraged students to share the anti-smoking message, mentor others, and organize volunteer activities for children from schools across the country. He also urged them to discuss these issues with adults in their circles.
According to research conducted by the Ministry of Health, over 16% of young people aged 13-15 consumed tobacco products, including heated tobacco, in 2019. Additionally, 13% of adolescents used electronic cigarettes.
