WHO data indicates alarming trends, especially among youth and women.
In Europe, over 40 percent of women smokers reside, amounting to about 62 million.
Among girls aged 13-15, the smoking rate also reaches concerning levels in this region.
The total number of adolescents aged 13-15 who use tobacco in Europe is about 4 million.
Additionally, the use of electronic cigarettes among adolescents in the European region reaches 14.3 percent, the highest rate in the world, with data for boys and girls being nearly equal.
Despite having a solid foundation for combating smoking in the region, the market for nicotine-containing products is rapidly evolving, and corresponding measures do not always keep pace with these changes.
"Tobacco use in the European region already leads to more than 1.1 million deaths from non-communicable diseases annually. If we do not increase our efforts, by 2030 we will be left with the worst rates in the world," noted Hans Kluge, Director of the WHO European Office.
To date, comprehensive laws prohibiting smoking in public places are in effect in only 18 out of 53 countries, and national support services for quitting smoking exist in only 12 states. Advertising and promotion of tobacco products are banned in only 13 countries.
On the topic Every tenth boy in Kyrgyzstan smokes regularly — WHO
In 19 countries, the price of cigarettes is lower than it was in 2014.
Regulation of electronic cigarettes and new nicotine products remains fragmented, reducing the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures.
WHO urges countries to address these shortcomings by fulfilling their commitments under the Framework Convention and strengthening control over tobacco products, including new and emerging nicotine products.
In Kyrgyzstan, a national helpline for those wishing to quit smoking has been operating since 2016, at number 2103. The service is anonymous, and operators are available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with an answering machine available outside of working hours. There is also an online help center, Help.kg.
