On Monday, the Israeli Ministry of Health unveiled its comprehensive action plan concerning all tobacco and smoking products. This move comes a few months after the establishment of a national action team in May of this year. This team was specifically set up to assess and address the adverse effects of both traditional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. Notably, among the Ministry's key recommendations is the proposal to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21.
The initiative to revisit the nation's stance on smoking stemmed from alarming incidents reported in recent months. Several teenagers were hospitalized due to complications from using electronic cigarettes, with one unfortunate case resulting in a fatality. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Ministry of Health felt the urgency to develop a national action plan to tackle these emerging challenges. It's worth noting that while many parts of the US have grown increasingly stringent about smoking, Israel, much like its regional neighbors and many European nations, still has a more accepting cultural perspective on smoking.
To ensure a holistic approach, the Ministry's action team was divided into five specialized sub-teams: policy, enforcement, advocacy, training, and influence. This structure enabled collaborations with stakeholders from diverse sectors, including various government departments, civil society, youth and parent representatives, local governance, and an array of professionals spanning from pediatricians and psychiatrists to academicians.
Positive messages urging smokers to give up would be inserted in packets of cigarettes under plans being proposed by the government, as ministers look to mirror schemes in Canada and Israel https://t.co/KjgCJNy16w
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Health Minister Moshe Arbel expressed deep concern, stating, "Smoking in the State of Israel has escalated to alarming levels, turning into a full-blown epidemic. Over 20% of our adult population smokes, and there's a disturbing rise in young people's exposure to electronic cigarettes. Additionally, the detrimental effects of passive smoking cannot be ignored." Arbel continued, emphasizing the ministry's commitment, "We're facing a real challenge. However, the Ministry of Health is resolute in its mission to both reduce these numbers and raise public awareness of the risks. Our goal is twofold: decrease the existing number of smokers and deter potential new ones. This endeavor demands a multifaceted strategy, and we're dedicated to introducing and enforcing policies across various sectors. This is to ensure both our youth and older generations are protected from the dangers of smoking."
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After intensive research and deliberation, the Ministry’s report put forth a pressing recommendation to the government. It states, "It's imperative that we adopt rigorous policies and take bold steps in light of the current situation. We firmly believe that prevention is the best cure – the most effective way to combat smoking is never to begin. We also urge parents to recognize these hazards and engage in open conversations with their children about the risks involved."
