Turkmenistan intends to become a tobacco-free territory by 2025, the local Health Ministry reports. The relevant activities have been carried out since 2012 under a special World Health Organization (WTO) Framework Convention.
During this period, the Turkmen authorities introduced excise taxes on tobacco products, significantly increased their retail prices, banned cigarette advertising and restricted smoking in public places.
In 2015, a rehabilitation centre was opened and helplines - 118 - were launched. The information says family doctors are also doing their part.
"It should not be forgotten that smoking should first of all be beaten morally, accept all the facts of harm and listen to all the disease factors."
According to WHO data from 2021, the number of smokers in Turkmenistan was 4% of the country's adult population. This compares with 9% in Uzbekistan, 15% in Kazakhstan and 27% in Russia.
In Turkmenistan, "nasvay" from 2008 strictly prohibited: its production and sale carry a prison sentence of up to one year and a heavy fine for its users.
This handmade nicotine-containing potion, which usually contains lime and bird droppings, is common in Central Asia. Some doctors consider it a mild drug and a cause of cancer.
Credits: Eziz Boyarov
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