The fight against smoking occupies an important place in the complex of measures to promote a healthy lifestyle in Turkmenistan and increase the life expectancy of the population. The long-term successful work carried out in this area has brought our country to the ranks of leaders in the fight against tobacco smoking throughout the world, which has been repeatedly noted by WHO leaders. In 2014, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was awarded a special WHO award - a commemorative medal and a certificate of gratitude for his great contribution to the fight against tobacco - in 2014 in recognition of the achievements of the country in the active work towards the creation of a smoke-free zone.
Further systematic work in this direction is envisaged by the National Program for Turning Turkmenistan into a Tobacco-Free Country for 2022-2025 developed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of the country and the Action Plan for its implementation, presented to the head of state on Friday.
As noted at the government meeting, the Program is aimed at creating national standards in this area, strengthening tobacco control by exercising special control over the implementation of policies and laws in this area, reducing the population's need for tobacco products and raising awareness of the negative consequences of smoking. Also, the priority tasks include increasing the availability of medical services for getting rid of this habit and treating nicotine addiction, expanding cooperation with partners in this area at the national and international level.
When discussing this program, the head of state emphasized that special attention should be paid to raising public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco product consumption, protecting the life and health of present and future generations, and preventing diseases caused by smoking. In this regard, it may be reminded that, according to WHO, tobacco kills more than 8 million people every year. After the publication of data that smokers are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 compared to non-smokers, millions of people wanted to quit smoking.
WHO experts give a total of more than a hundred reasons to quit smoking, emphasizing that the benefits of quitting tobacco are felt almost immediately. Already 20 minutes after quitting smoking, the heart rate decreases. Within 12 hours, the level of carbon monoxide in the blood declines to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, blood circulation improves and lung function normalizes.
Within 1–9 months, cough and shortness of breath decrease. Within 5-15 years, the risk of stroke is reduced to the level of risk in a non-smoker. Within 10 years, the risk of dying from lung cancer decreases about half that of people who smoke. Within 15 years, the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced to the level of risk in a non-smoker.
Widespread promotion of these and many other benefits of giving up addiction will help people maintain health - both their own and those of their loved ones, cultivate a sustainable commitment to a healthy lifestyle among young people, and achieve physical and spiritual health of the entire nation.
