The Israeli Ministry of Health has published an action plan to reduce the consumption of all tobacco and smoking products, reports Middle East News.
This came after the ministry established a national action team in May to combat the harm caused by cigarettes and e-cigarettes, review policies on the issue and work to eradicate tobacco use.
The team worked in four subgroups – Policy, Enforcement, Advocacy, Training, and Influence – and included partners from many sectors: Ministries, civil society, youth representation, parent representation, local government, various doctors including pediatricians and psychiatrists, academics, and other professionals. The team’s action coincided with other actions carried out with ministries and social factors to raise awareness of the harms of these products. The team presented its conclusions to the Director General of the Ministry of Health, who approved the recommendations formulated, and now the Ministry is publishing this action plan for public comment.
The Ministry stated that reducing the phenomenon of smoking and its harms is one of the most important national public health tasks in Israel and that it is committed to the fight against smoking and its consequences. Health Minister Moshe Arbel said: “The phenomenon of smoking in the State of Israel has become a veritable epidemic. The proportion of smokers among the adult population currently stands at more than 20 per cent and we are witnessing an increase in the exposure of young people to electronic cigarettes, all this, alongside the severe damage caused by passive smoking. This is a worrying phenomenon and the Ministry of Health, under my leadership, is determined to promote steps to reduce it and increase awareness of the harm caused as a result.”