Smoking rate falls 31%, SSM data shows

The Health Bureau (SSM) announced that Macau has achieved a significant public health milestone by meeting and exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2025 target for reducing tobacco use well ahead of schedule. According to data released by the bureau, the smoking rate among residents aged 15 and above has dropped from 16.9% before the implementation of the Tobacco Control Law to 11.6% in 2023. This represents a relative decrease of 31.4%, surpassing the WHO’s global target of a 30% relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025. The announcement was made as the bureau concurrently marked World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, with this year’s theme, “Short of Breath? Think COPD,” to underscore the link between smoking and the respiratory disease. This significant reduction in smoking is the result of over a decade of comprehensive tobacco control measures implemented under the Tobacco Control Law that took effect on January 1, 2012. The government’s multi-pronged strategy has integrated stringent legislation, consistent enforcement, public education campaigns, and the promotion of smoking cessation services through a “frontline-focused” and “resource-decentralized” approach. In a strategic move to counter new public health threats, the Tobacco Control Law was revised in 2022 to impose a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, distribution, sale, import, and export of e-cigarettes, also prohibiting their carrying in and out of Macau. This preemptive action has been crucial in preventing a rise in nicotine use among youth through e-cigarette and tobacco products. Alongside these regulatory measures, the SSM’s smoking cessation services have provided critical support for residents. Since the establishment of Smoking Cessation Consultation Clinics across all Health Centres in 2006, the program has offered free, dedicated support from healthcare staff. The demand for these services remains strong, with the clinics recording approximately 1,970 patient visits in the first ten months of this year alone. COPD remains a pressing global health concern and is the world’s fourth leading cause of death, responsible for approximately 3.5 million fatalities in 2021, accounting for about 5% of global mortality. Health authorities stress that smoking cessation is not only the most effective way to prevent COPD but also the most cost-efficient intervention for managing the disease. Residents seeking to quit are encouraged to utilize available resources, including referrals at local Health Centres, making an appointment via the “My Health” section in the One Account app, or by calling the dedicated hotline at 2848 1238 during office hours. Ricaela Diputado