Countries of the WHO European Region empower young people to stand up to tobacco industry manipulation on World No Tobacco Day

20 July 2020

The theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) campaign was “Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use”. During the campaign, countries raised awareness about the tactics of tobacco and related industries to attract younger generations. Activities included webinars, online conferences, drawing competitions and award ceremonies, all of which encouraged everyone to become well informed, spread awareness about tobacco industry tactics and join the fight to create a tobacco-free generation.

In the European Region, 14% of boys (2.2 million) and 12% of girls (1.7 million) aged 13–15 years are current tobacco users. Tobacco and related industries spend billions of dollars every year on marketing and advertising, and use tactics such as free product samples, sleek designs, product placement in entertainment media, and sponsored events and parties to attract children and adolescents.

WHO/Sevinch Kurbanova

Countries of the WHO European Region... 1

During a youth webinar on 27 May 2020, young leaders presented anti-tobacco activities conducted in Uzbekistan in the last 2 years, such as smoke-free campaigns in public places where young people were encouraged to exchange a pack of cigarettes for a bottle of water and a fruit, and to sign the “Uzbek citizens’ declaration on creating a smoke-free environment”.

Bishkek Centre for Health Promotion/Health Pyramid

Countries of the WHO European Region... 2

In Kyrgyzstan, over 100 students submitted drawings in the “Children of Kyrgyzstan against tobacco” drawing contest. These can be accessed through Instagram using the hashtag #детикыргызстанапротивтабака2020.

WHO

Countries of the WHO European Region... 3

Hungary organized a poster competition for students aged 11–15 years, which received 144 submissions, including drawings, collages and graphics. The participants were praised for their creativity and their engagement in spreading the word about the dangers of tobacco use.

WHO

Countries of the WHO European Region... 4

In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan along with young scientists, doctors, athletes, representatives of nongovernmental organizations and students took part in an online event to celebrate WNTD 2020. The participants reiterated the importance of strong tobacco control measures to reduce tobacco use and prevent initiation among the youth.

WHO

Countries of the WHO European Region... 5

An annual conference on tobacco control took place in Slovenia on 25 May 2020. About 300 participants joined this online event, including experts from the Slovenian Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance, and international experts.

WHO

Countries of the WHO European Region... 6

Dr Ghenadie Turcanu, a prominent leader in the tobacco control movement in the Republic of Moldova, received a WHO WNTD award in recognition of his excellent technical expertise and strong spirit of advocacy in supporting efforts to reduce tobacco use and promote comprehensive tobacco control policies in the country.

BKA/Dunker

Countries of the WHO European Region... 7

At an awards ceremony in Austria, WHO recognized the VIVID Institute for the Prevention of Addiction for its outstanding achievements in the fight against tobacco and invaluable contribution to the adoption of stronger regulatory tobacco control measures in the country.

Limerick Comhairle na nÓg

Countries of the WHO European Region... 8

In Ireland, Limerick Comhairle na nÓg, one of 31 youth councils across the country, received a WHO WNTD award for their leading role in the development of Not Around Us, a campaign to discourage people from smoking or vaping around children and young people.

WHO

Countries of the WHO European Region... 9

On 2 June 2020, an online event celebrated the WHO WNTD 2020 award laureates in the European Region. The award winners are: VIVID Institute for the Prevention of Addiction, Austria; Dr Arsen Torosyan, Minister of Health, Armenia; Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland; Limerick Comhairle na nÓg, Ireland; Dr Ghenadie Turcanu, Program Coordinator, Center for Health Policies and Studies, Republic of Moldova; and Cancer Research UK, United Kingdom.

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