Adoption of the Law on Tobacco Control is a critical step for improving the population’s health

The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the WHO Country Office strongly support the adoption of the Law on Tobacco Control in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The causal link between smoking and ill health is well established and tobacco use is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases, most notably cancer.

Almost 50% of tobacco smokers die prematurely. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 35% of people over 15 years use tobacco, and 20% of 13–15-year-olds smoke. These figures are significantly higher than the global average or even the average in the WHO European Region.

Adoption of the Law on Tobacco Control in its current form by the House of Peoples is a critical step for improving the population’s health and fulfilling international obligations agreed by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina has ratified the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) which obliges countries to protect present and future generations from devastating health, social and environmental consequences deriving from tobacco use. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the few remaining countries in Europe that is yet to introduce impactful restrictions on smoking.

“Tobacco use and second-hand smoke are known silent killers. Globally, more than 7 million people die every year from smoking while over 1 million people are estimated to die from second-hand smoke exposure. Children and adolescents are often at higher risk. Effective legislative measures for controlling tobacco use are critical for reducing risks for young people and the overall population, as well as reducing health costs”, said Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In addition to the health benefits, studies have shown a positive impact from the introduction and enforcement of curbing the use of tobacco, particularly in the hospitality sector, with higher numbers of consumers in caffés and restaurants after the introduction of smoking bans.

“WHO FCTC is an excellent instrument in moving forward tobacco control efforts. We encourage political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to make bold legislative decisions that will protect and improve the health of their citizens and achieve effective tobacco control regulations”, said Dr Erwin Cooreman, WHO Special Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and like-minded partners will continue to support laws that protect and improve the health of the population with a special focus on the most vulnerable segments of the society.