In Moldova, practically each second man smokes, while the smoking women represent 8% of all the women. The number of women who smoke is on the rise and this is worrisome. An increasing number of teens smoke at a time when selling tobacco products to them is banned. The data were presented in a news conference held on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, which is celebrated on May 31, IPN reports.
Deputy Minister of Health Svetlana Cotelea said studies show that of the 39,000 deaths recorded annually in Moldova, over 5,000 are due to diseases associated with smoking. Smoking causes different types of cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. “These medical problems involve significant economic costs. In Moldova, the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases amount to over 1 billion lei a year,” she stated.
70% of all the smokers started to smoke when they were younger than 18. The illicit trade of tobacco products makes cigarettes accessible to teenagers. Studies show in 62% of the cases, the teens purchase cigarettes without impediments. One in four children are exposed to cigarette smoke in the family, while four in ten children – in the places they visit.
Svetlana Cotelea said these data are alarming and the anti-tobacco law adopted recently is designed to regulate the control over the processing, manufacturing and sale of tobacco products.
Every year, on May 31, the World Health Organization and partners mark World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. For World No Tobacco Day 2015, countries are urged to work together to end the illicit trade of tobacco products.
