Turkey deploys teams and mobile clinics as part of its battle against tobacco usage

Turkey has taken a significant step in its ongoing tobacco control efforts with the launch of a nationwide initiative, the "Smoke-Free Turkey" campaign. Coordinated by the Health Ministry, this campaign aims to reduce the percentage of tobacco users in the country's population, particularly focusing on the youth.

The campaign, which marks the 16th year of Turkey's tobacco control efforts, does not repeat earlier initiatives and offers a comprehensive action plan for the years 2024-2028. The plan encompasses deploying roving tobacco control teams and mobile smoking cessation clinics across all 81 provinces, ensuring a wide reach.

The initiative combines fieldwork with mobile healthcare, providing accessible support for individuals seeking to overcome tobacco addiction. It promotes resources such as Smoke-Free Air Zone regulations, the 171 Quitline, the 184 reporting hotline, and the "Green Detector" mobile application.

The program immediately connects those willing to stop smoking with medical professionals, offering a swift and efficient means of support. Tobacco control teams are present in public squares, parks, villages, industrial zones, university campuses, shopping malls, and marketplaces, making them easily accessible to the public.

The mission of the campaign is to inform citizens about the dangers of tobacco and secondhand smoke, raising awareness among tobacco users and encouraging them to quit. According to a 2023 study, 34.8 percent of Turkey's population aged 15 and over use tobacco products, underscoring the need for such a campaign.

The "Smoke-Free Turkey" campaign is a testament to Turkey's commitment to protecting its citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco use. By focusing on raising awareness, providing support services, and protecting young people from tobacco products, the campaign is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against tobacco use in Turkey.