Prof. Dr. Aydın: “Our priority is to protect our youth and children from the interference of the tobacco industry”

President of the Turkish Association for the Fight Against Smoking (TSSD), Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, made a statement on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on May 31. Emphasizing the harms of tobacco and tobacco products, Prof. Dr. Aydın highlighted that protecting young people and children from the harmful effects of the tobacco industry is their primary goal.

In his statement, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın mentioned that the tobacco industry targets young people and children. He pointed out that the prevalence of smoking among young people poses serious health risks and emphasized the importance of preventing this.

“Collaboration of all segments of society is necessary”
Prof. Dr. Aydın stated that as the Turkish Association for the Fight Against Smoking, they have been fighting against the marketing and promotional strategies of the tobacco industry targeting young people for years. He said, “Protecting our children and young people from the intervention of the tobacco industry should be our primary goal. In this respect, strict control and measures should be taken regarding the promotion and sale of cigarettes among young people.” Prof. Dr. Aydın underlined the importance of collaboration among all segments of society to reduce smoking among young people and create a smoke-free society, emphasizing the joint efforts of the government and civil society organizations in tobacco control.

“Cigarette is a serious public health issue”
Prof. Dr. Aydın pointed out the destructive effects of tobacco products on human health, stating that tobacco use leads to the deaths of millions of people worldwide every year. He stated, “It is known that tobacco use, especially starting at a young age, leads to lung cancer, heart diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and many other serious health problems in the long term. The fact that the tobacco industry targets young people with different marketing strategies is a worrisome situation and creates a serious public health issue.”

“Sales and advertisements should be strictly regulated”
Prof. Dr. Aydın mentioned that they conduct awareness campaigns as the TSSD to reduce tobacco use among young people, emphasizing the importance of legal regulations in effective combat against tobacco and tobacco products and stating that every segment of society has significant responsibilities in the fight against tobacco. He said, “Strict regulation of the advertising and sale of tobacco products is critically important to prevent young people’s access to these products.” Prof. Dr. Aydın also highlighted that the fight against tobacco is not only an individual responsibility but also a social duty, and everyone should actively participate in this fight and work together for a healthy future.

“Legal regulations should be enacted as soon as possible”
Referring again to the bill adopted by the United Kingdom a short while ago, which bans access to cigarettes for those born after January 1, 2009, in terms of protecting children and young people from the harmful effects of the tobacco industry, Prof. Dr. Aydın emphasized the necessity of legal regulations. He stated, “The issue of banning the sale of cigarettes for young people who turn 15 this year is extremely important. Laws on the sale and marketing of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes should be enacted and inspections should be intensified in our country as well. Otherwise, our children and young people, who are our future, are at great risk.” Prof. Dr. Aydın concluded by saying:

“World No Tobacco Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the harms of tobacco use and take steps towards a tobacco-free future. I call on the entire society to be sensitive about this issue and support our goal of a smoke-free world for a healthy life. Let’s continue the fight against smoking until the last molecule of tobacco disappears.”