Reduce the use of cigarettes and tobacco in Myanmar society

Myanmar and Thailand recently won a joint third prize in the ASEAN Smoke-Free Award, a competition organized by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance. Myanmar was recognized for establishing smoke-free zones in the Bagan ancient cultural area, an effort that not only promotes public health but also enhances the nation’s international standing.
Smoking is a costly habit that poses serious health risks, not only to smokers but also to those around them. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over eight million people die annually due to smoking-related illnesses, with about 1.2 million of these deaths attributed to second-hand smoke. The global tobacco crisis has been labelled a “tobacco pandemic” by public health experts, as smoking-related deaths surpass those from many other global health threats.
In Myanmar, smoking and tobacco use are major public health concerns, contributing to the nation’s high burden of non-communicable diseases. Each year, approximately 64,000 people in Myanmar die from illnesses caused by smoking and tobacco use.
The economic impact is also significant, with the country losing an estimated K2.6 trillion (US$1.6 billion) annually, which accounts for 3.3 per cent of the national GDP. These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger tobacco control measures.
Myanmar has been committed to addressing this issue since it signed the Cigarette and Tobacco Use Control International Convention in 2003. Following this, the government enacted the Cigarette and Tobacco Control Law, which includes provisions that prohibit the sale of cigarettes to individuals under 18 and ban cigarette sales within 100 feet of school campuses. However, enforcement of these regulations remains a challenge, and stricter implementation is necessary to reduce tobacco use and protect public health.
Efforts to curb smoking in Myanmar are vital not only for improving health outcomes but also for reducing the economic burden associated with tobacco use.
By continuing to promote smoke-free zones and enforcing tobacco control laws, Myanmar can further achieve its progress in combating the tobacco epidemic and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
For the time being, Myanmar is one of 46 countries with the highest capacity to raise public awareness so as to reduce the use of cigarettes and tobacco through various kinds of media and social network platforms. Amid difficulties, authorities are implementing the plan to shape the smoke-free zones in the public areas. As such, all Myanmar people need to maintain their achievements in the establishment of smoke-free regions in the Bagan Ancient Cultural Zone by securing the ASEAN Smoke-Free Award.