The Ministry of Health is planning to hire an additional 100 inspectors in order to increase control over tobacco use in Kosovo, stated the Acting Minister of Health, Arben Vitia, during a press conference ahead of World No Tobacco Day.
Minister of Health Arben Vitia said it is good news that tobacco use in Kosovo is declining due to implemented policies, but added that more work is still needed.
Vitia emphasized that the approval and implementation of the administrative instruction for combined health warnings on cigarette packages has shown positive results.” In Kosovo, according to the STEPS survey, tobacco use is decreasing compared to 2011 or the previous study, and naturally, this is good news. It is an encouraging trend that demonstrates the effectiveness of the policies implemented so far, but it is still insufficient for the goals we have set for ourselves. Tobacco control is undoubtedly a complex challenge, not only in our country but also more broadly. Despite the challenges, results have not been lacking. Among the tangible achievements is the approval and implementation of the administrative instruction for combined health warnings on cigarette packages, which came into effect last year and marks one of the most important measures for visually educating consumers about the devastating harms of tobacco,” he said.
The Acting Minister of Health, Arben Vitia, stated that in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, they are exploring the possibility of increasing inspection capacities by hiring 100 more inspectors to strengthen tobacco control.
“The increase in excise to 65 euros per kilogram according to the Government of Kosovo’s decision is another sign that fiscal policies are having an effect… We’ve also strengthened inspection capacity by recruiting about 30 new inspectors who have helped enforce the law, but of course, this is still not enough and continues to be a serious challenge. That’s why, recently, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, we are preparing a plan to engage around 100 additional people so that this law is strictly implemented in all areas where smoking is prohibited,” Vitia emphasized.
Agron Lila from the Kosovo Center for Advocacy and Development said that the goal of marking this day is to send a strong and united message to protect youth from the influence of the tobacco industry.
He said they will support the new draft law on Tobacco Control, calling it a bold and right step.
Hoti said that this year, the NIPH will begin the next round of research, which will generate new data on the level of tobacco use in the country.
Faik Hoti from the National Institute of Public Health said their research shows that the Tobacco Control Law has had an effect, but more work is needed to achieve better results.
World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is marked globally every year on May 31.
