The Healthy Initiatives convened an international forum and luncheon in Warsaw, to discuss challenges around non communicable diseases and smoking as a number one risk factor in the region facing the challenges of the war and dealing with the humanitarian crisis, the largest since WWII. Is it still possible to care about people’s health helping them to make healthier choices now when all priorities have changed? Our Ukrainian warriors keep telling us – they either shoot or smoke. Smoking rates have skyrocketed in the region for the past two years. Given how well the region was doing several years ago – when smoking prevalence has significantly dropped – the current reality around smoking cessation is pretty grim.
The group leaders discussed gaps and key programs missing in the region, as well as specific steps to be taken to change the situation and end smoking – thus granting 14 extra years of life to people who smoke.
Caring about one’s health should always be a priority especially in dark times. All it takes is courageous and smart leaders ready to act, and the good science.
