THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TOBACCO USE - A CHALLENGE FOR INTERSECTORAL COOPERATION AT A LOCAL LEVEL IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TOBACCO USE - A CHALLENGE FOR INTERSECTORAL COOPERATION AT A LOCAL LEVEL IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Summary/Abstract: Tobacco continues to be the world’s biggest killer, accounting for around 6 million deaths worldwide, and 1.6 million deaths in Europe annually. Numerous studies confirm the link between the increased risk of diseases and the dose, the amount of cigarettes smoked and the length of the smoking period. Smoking among women is increased, and there is an increase noted among youth with increased prevalence among younger adolescents. The smoke prevalence in the Republic of Macedonia is significantly increasing among 15 year-olds (5% being regular smokers), and another concern are the findings of the study on use of psychoactive substances at ages 15-64 regarding use of tobacco by 46% of the total population. More intensive implementation of measures should be considered in the comprehensive programmes designed for control of tobacco use, not only on a national, but on a local level as well; such as: conducting local action plans for smoking prevention, creating counseling telephone lines for smoking prevention, specific projects in schools through which, by active participation and work, students will gain knowledge on the harmful events of smoking and other forms of tobacco use. Prevention through education, communication, informational campaigns will increase awareness on the negative effect of tobacco on health. Implementing these measures should be financially and politically supported not only by the state bodies and the local self-government, but by the civil sector and the international community as well.

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