It is estimated that over 6,000 persons in Moldova die each year from tobacco use. According to the last national study conducted in 2021, three in ten adults (18 – 69 years) or almost 30% smoke actively, including 52% of the men and 7.7% of the women. These indicators have grown primarily among young persons, both men and women. The data were presented by the National Public Health Agency in connection with World No Tobacco Day that is celebrated on May 31, IPN reports.

According to the Agency, the areas on which tobacco plants are cultivated have been reduced in Moldova starting with the 1990s to about 3,000 ha at present. Tobacco producers and processors ask to increase tobacco production so as to grow exports as they consider that tobacco is a strategic sector of the national economy.

Public health specialists warn yet that tobacco cultivation, production and consumption represent a considerable human and economic burden, being associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, arterial hypertension and many others. Tobacco annually kills over 8 million people globally, with around 1.2 million of these being the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Also, about one in four tobacco growers are affected by the green tobacco sickness (nicotine poisoning).