World No Tobacco Day: Commemoration ceremony held in Nay Pyi Taw

The Ministry of Health organized the 2025 “World No Tobacco Day” commemoration ceremony in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday under the theme “Unmasking the appeal; Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products.”

Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr. Aye Tun attended the event and delivered a speech. He highlighted the need for the policymakers to recognize the marketing strategies of tobacco companies as a public health threat. He noted that over 8 million people die annually from smoking-related non-communicable diseases, citing World Health Organization’s data. He warned that tobacco companies are targeting youth through flavored products, attractive packaging, digital marketing and celebrity endorsements.

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of regulating e-cigarettes and said smoking prevalence in Myanmar has declined since 2014, according to the 2024 STEPs Survey. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to national health in line with State Administration Council’s guidance. The Deputy Minister and party then toured commemorative photo booth.