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Türkiye takes a new step in the ever-continuing fight against smoking while it remains the country's top public health crisis.
Minister of Health Kemal Memisoglu announced that the Black Sea city of Artvin has been selected as a pilot project as a "smoke-free city."
Minister Memisoglu stated that smoking in Artvin's public institutions will be completely banned, the ALO 171 hotline for citizens who want to quit smoking will be strengthened, and free medication support will be provided.
He also emphasized that a strict policy will be applied against electronic cigarettes and puff products. Such products pose a significant health threat to the youth due to their "attractive design and taste."
President of the Turkish Anti-Smoking Association (TSSD), Professor Mustafa Aydin, described the project as "a historic step for public health."
Experts believe that the project starting in Artvin will soon be implemented across Türkiye.
Aydin underlined that smoking causes not only health problems but also significant economic losses and said, "Every year, around $20 billion is spent on cigarettes. The cost of treating diseases caused by tobacco use corresponds to 9% of health expenditures. The smoking age has dropped to 13."
"This dramatically increases the risk of early-onset diseases. This picture clearly shows the need to raise social awareness in the fight against smoking."
Aydin emphasized that tobacco addiction causes many serious health problems, from cardiovascular diseases to cancer, respiratory disorders, and chronic illnesses, and shared the following information.
"According to the WHO 2024 report, approximately 8 million people worldwide die each year due to diseases related to tobacco use. In Türkiye, tobacco use is still a serious public health problem."
"This situation is no longer an individual choice but a crisis affecting the entire society. The fight can only succeed not only with health authorities but also with the active role of educational institutions, civil society, media and families," he said.
Professor Aydin stated that the tobacco industry specifically targets young people, saying, "With flavored electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and social media campaigns, young people are systematically targeted. Globally, one in five young people aged 13-15 uses a tobacco product. In our country, the use of electronic cigarettes among high school and university youth is increasing alarmingly every year."
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