Cultivating Health Awareness from Childhood
Developing a responsible attitude towards one's health should begin in childhood. This was the focus of a press briefing held on November 21, in honor of the International Day of No Tobacco.
«Smoking poses a significant threat to public health. In Ukraine, approximately 130,000 deaths annually are attributed to it. According to statistics, 17% of Kyiv residents aged 12 and older are regular smokers, with a third smoking for over 10 years and 45% consuming fewer than 10 cigarettes a day. Teen smoking has also become a more prevalent issue in recent years,» noted Serhiy Chumak, Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Kyiv.
To tackle smoking issues in the city, a pilot project called «School Without Nicotine and Tobacco» has been launched, along with platforms like «How to Quit Smoking» and «Stop Smoking». Educational institutions in the capital are also conducting events aimed at combating tobacco use.
«Fostering a responsible attitude towards personal health and the health of those around us is one of the main objectives of educational institutions. Continuous educational and awareness campaigns are conducted. Lessons cover the harmful effects of tobacco, and lectures and workshops involving medical professionals, representatives of NGOs, and law enforcement are organized. Efforts are made not only with children but also with adults, emphasizing to parents the importance of providing a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment for their children,» explained Oleksandr Serhiev, Chief Specialist of the Extracurricular Education Department.
He also thanked everyone who supports educators in conducting anti-smoking initiatives in schools.
«Currently, there is a complete ban on smoking and hookah use in food establishments in the capital. The State Consumer Service monitors compliance with tobacco control legislation. This year, 68 oversight activities have been conducted, with violations identified in 50 cases, representing 78%. Fines totaling more than 4.5 million UAH have been imposed, and we will continue this work,» reported Oleg Ruban, Head of the Main Department of the State Consumer Service in Kyiv.
It is worth noting that the city has approved the draft Tobacco Control Strategy for 2025–2030. The primary goal of this strategy is to reduce smoking rates among adults and children by 30% by 2030 and to create a «smoke-free» environment, particularly in public spaces.
