Tobacco.org

THE DAMAGING EFFECTS AND PREVENTION OF SMOKING 

One third of the population in Serbia are smokers and Serbia is among the countries with the highest percentage of smokers – 38% men, 30% women and even 8% among children aged between 13 and 15. The data are better than those obtained nine years ago, as they show a tendency of the reduction of the number of smokers, but the rate is still high anyway, the president of the Republican Expert Commission for the Prevention of Smoking with the Ministry of Health, doctor Srmena Krstev. Jelica Tapušković talked to her. . . .

the Serbian Ministry of Health has adopted a national strategy of the protection of non-smokers, whereby the population is constantly informed about the damaging effect of smoking on smokers themselves and their surroundings as well. Doctor Krstev says that very soon, a new law banning smoking in public places and offices will be soon submitted to the government . . .

In the past 5-6 years, the Ministry of Health conducted drives on the damaging effects of smoking on January 31, National Day without Tobacco Smoke, and on 31 May, International Day without Tobacco Smoke. The campaigns were effective, as since the beginning of those drives, the number of people aware of the damaging effects of tobacco smoke has risen to 70%. This year, May 31 will be observed by putting emphasis on pictures showing the effects of smoking. A walk will be organized in Belgrade’s downtown street, Knez Mihailova, and the central event will be held on the Republic Square, including a performance, while Health Minister Tomica Milosavljević will be speaking of the detrimental effects of smoking.

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