Hot Topics of Tobacco Control in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Aim and Objective Legislation about protection from exposure to tobacco smoke in Bosnia is very much supported by the European (EU). Policy of tobacco control in Bosnia on a state level should be more reliable to ensure the chance to secure the EU funds needed for the implementation of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Methods & Findings Prevalence of smoking is higher than in EU: in adults (15-49 years) and in 66.8% and in youth (13-15 years) is 26.7%. Progress during last 3 years: prohibition of smoking in public places have been adopted; there is a ban on advertising cigarettes in mass media, as well as ban on sponsorship by the tobacco industry; cigarettes are becoming less affordable due to the price increase twice a year; health warnings on cigarette packages are present; 5. awareness of smoking harm is rising. Hot problems in Bosnia are: the prohibition of smoking in public places is not implemented almost in general; sale of tobacco to persons under the age of 18 is still present; daily illegal tobacco sales in public places are ineffectively sanctioned; nargile bar increasingly occur; they are increasingly popular among youth; their services to persons under the age of 18 are unpunished; there are no effective centres for smoking cessation; doctors and medical staff are not sufficiently or not at all trained in the treatment of tobacco dependence. Conclusion Proposed activities: more rigorous implementation of smoking prohibition on public places; organisation of massive smoking cessation programs; education of health workers in treatment of tobacco dependence; regulations on transfer of cigarettes taxes in health care sector; more active role of international organizations and civil society in tobacco control.