Western Balkans Commit to Stronger Tobacco Policies

Health ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia have committed to enhancing their tobacco policies and promoting a smoke-free future across the Western Balkans. The joint declaration, supported by WHO Europe, outlines steps to reduce tobacco use in the subregion, where prevalence remains high.

The declaration's core objectives include eliminating exposure to smoke and aerosols from all tobacco, nicotine, and non-nicotine products in all indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport. This will be achieved through comprehensive legislation on smoke-free areas, strengthening the enforcement of existing tobacco control laws, and increasing public awareness of smoking's dangers via educational programs and campaigns. Furthermore, a monitoring system will be established to evaluate smoke-free policies and ensure they remain free from tobacco industry influence.

Tobacco use in the region is alarmingly high, causing an estimated 34,000 premature deaths annually. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, has expressed concern over increasing susceptibility to tobacco industry pressure and emphasized the need to counter industry lobbying and economic arguments with robust policies.

The declaration also calls for establishing a platform for information exchange and joint action among Western Balkan countries. Collaboration and sharing best practices are deemed crucial to prevent tobacco industry interference in tobacco control policies. This commitment is seen as a significant step towards a smoke-free future in WHO Europe, while also contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals.