31 May marks World No Tobacco Day, an annual initiative established by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The goal of this initiative is to heighten awareness about the severe impact of tobacco on health and to promote strategies to fight tobacco use. With tobacco-related diseases claiming millions of lives each year, urgent action is required to address this global health concern.
Tobacco consumption has been associated with a variety of serious illnesses, including several types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory conditions, and complications related to osteoporosis, among others. According to the WHO, tobacco accounts for more than eight million deaths annually. Over seven million deaths affect current or former users, while approximately 1.2 million deaths are caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.
In Luxembourg, the grim toll of tobacco-related diseases is evident, with three deaths per day being attributed to the habit. Despite this, young people remain the largest consumer group for tobacco products. A study conducted by the Ministry of Health and the Cancer Foundation revealed that approximately 28% of the Luxembourg population were smokers in 2022, with the 16-24 age group accounting for 34% of all smokers.
The Minister of Health, Paulette Lenert, acknowledged that “Luxembourg has historically always had a bad standing, and we are still lagging behind. We are definitely not living up to our ambitions.”
In the past, the number of male smokers exceeded female smokers, but this gap has now been reduced to a mere 2%.
New tobacco products aimed at young individuals, such as single-use electronic cigarettes and shisha, have become popular. Fruity flavours and affordable prices are designed to attract this vulnerable demographic. The Ministry of Health warns that these products, although marketed as safer alternatives, still carry significant health risks and often lead to nicotine addiction among their users.
In an effort to combat the persistent issue of smoking, the Ministry of Health has initiated a national campaign under the Tobacco Control Programme. The campaign focuses on four key actions:
Increase in Tobacco Prices: Acknowledging the impact of price on smoking habits, the Luxembourg government, as part of the National Tobacco Control Plan, has committed to regular tax increases on tobacco products. A preliminary draft regulation has been adopted, with an immediate 20 cents increase in excise duty on cigarettes and fine-cut rolling tobacco by summer 2023, with further increases planned for 2025.
Facilitating Access to Smoking Cessation Programmes: A collaboration with the National Health Fund (CNS) aims to support smokers in quitting through professional guidance and reimbursement for prescribed medication and substitutes.
“No Smoking Challenge” Communication Campaign: In conjunction with World No Tobacco Day, the Ministry of Health has initiated a competition called #NoSmokingChallenge. This aims to motivate smokers, particularly those aged 16 to 34, to quit smoking for eight days. The campaign will utilise social media platforms to disseminate messages and raise questions about smoking.
Introduction of Plain Cigarette Packaging: The Ministry of Health is currently evaluating the feasibility of implementing neutral cigarette packs, with the intention of reducing the appeal of tobacco products, especially to young people.
