Mongolia launches national anti smoking campaign
Mongolia has launched a national anti-smoking campaign to reduce the country's high smoking rate and the associated health risks. Here are some key points about the campaign:
Background: Mongolia has one of the highest smoking rates in the world, with over 40% of the population smoking. Smoking is a major public health concern in the country, responsible for an estimated 12,000 deaths annually.
Campaign goals: The national anti-smoking campaign aims to reduce the smoking rate among adults and youth, increase awareness about the dangers of smoking, and promote quitting among smokers.
Key strategies: The campaign will focus on the following strategies:
- Public awareness: The campaign will use various media channels, including television, radio, print, and social media, to raise awareness about the risks of smoking and the benefits of quitting.
- Education: Educational materials and programs will be developed to educate the public, particularly youth, about the dangers of smoking and the importance of quitting.
- Quitting support: The campaign will provide support to smokers who want to quit, including counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and other forms of assistance.
- Regulation: The government will strengthen regulations on tobacco sales, including increasing taxes on tobacco products and restricting advertising and promotion.
- Community engagement: The campaign will engage with communities, schools, and workplaces to promote anti-smoking messages and encourage quitting.
Partnerships: The campaign is being implemented in partnership with various organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD), and the Mongolian Ministry of Health.
Timeline: The campaign is expected to run for three years, with regular evaluations and assessments to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Budget: The campaign has been allocated a budget of approximately 10 billion MNT (approximately $4 million USD), which will be used to fund various activities, including public awareness campaigns, education programs, and quitting support services.
Overall, the national anti-smoking campaign in Mongolia aims to reduce the country's smoking rate and improve public health by promoting awareness, education, and quitting support.