Croatia remains one of the countries with the highest percentage of smokers in Europe, according to new figures released by the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
The institute revealed that 37.9 percent of Croatian adults smoke cigarettes, while the figure rises slightly to 38.1 percent among younger adults.
The highest percentage of smokers was recorded in the 25 to 34 age group, where as many as 42.5 percent smoke tobacco products.
Focus on Youth and Social Media
This year’s World No Tobacco Day campaign is being held under the slogan: “Unmasking the appeal – exposing nicotine and tobacco addiction.”
Public health officials say the campaign places special emphasis on the ways tobacco and nicotine industries design and market products to make them attractive to children and young people.
The HZJZ also stressed the importance of introducing stronger regulations aimed at reducing exposure to nicotine products, particularly by limiting advertising on social media and digital platforms.
Millions of Deaths Worldwide
World No Tobacco Day is organised annually by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the health, social and economic consequences of tobacco and nicotine use.
The HZJZ announced that current smoking trends, challenges and anti-smoking programmes in Croatia will be discussed during a roundtable event on May 26 involving representatives from the Ministry of Health, public health institutions and medical experts.