National tobacco control programme for 2017 – 2021 approved in Moldova

Chisinau, 13 September /MOLDPRES/ – The Cabinet of Ministers approved the National Programme on tobacco control for 2017 – 2021 and the Action Plan for its implementation at the meeting today. The aim of the Programme is to reduce tobacco consumption and impact of smoking on the population’s health condition, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

Related to it, authorities propose the establishment of a national system to monitor the patterns of morbidity and mortality on the consumption of tobacco products, inform and educate the public about the damage caused by smoking, initiate smoking counseling programmes and treat tobacco dependence. Some other objectives set are to abide by the ban on access for people under 18 to tobacco products and related products and reduce illicit import of tobacco products.

However, actions to be taken include: monitoring tobacco consumption, herbal products and hookahs, ensuring the implementation of ban on advertising, tobacco promotion and sponsorship.

The Programme’s implementation coordination will ensure the National tobacco control coordinating council, which work will facilitate intersectoral collaboration between state, international institutions and non-governmental organizations to carry out comprehensive tobacco control measures.