The Department of Health announced that Hong Kong's smoking rate has continued to decline from 23.3% in the early 1980s to 8.5% last year, hitting a record low. Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH), said today (May 28) during a radio programme that the gradual decline in the smoking rate reflects the effectiveness of tobacco control efforts. Every 0.1% drop in the smoking rate represents around 6,000 people leaving the smoking population, and he will strive for every 0.1% decrease. With the Government progressively implementing many measures — such as the new ban on the possession and use of e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco products, which took effect on April 30 — he is confident that Hong Kong can move towards a smoking rate of 7.8% or even lower.
As for whether Hong Kong needs to set a new smoking rate target, Mr Henry Tong, Chairman of the COSH, said that the World Health Organization's guideline is to achieve a smoking rate of 5% or lower in different places, launching the "tobacco endgame", marking the start of a "smoke‑free city". COSH will continue to advocate for a multi‑pronged approach to strengthen tobacco control, including banning menthol‑flavoured cigarettes, as well as prohibiting the possession of vape pods, e‑cigarettes, and related devices in all places, including private premises.
Mr Lawrence Tang, a Legislative Council member from the education constituency, said on the same radio programme that if we rely solely on school education, students may understand but may not necessarily act accordingly. He believes that, in addition to valuing education, the social atmosphere is very important. Moreover, teaching materials should not be limited to text alone; they should be designed from a perspective suitable for the habits of young people, to touch them psychologically. He also suggested drawing on the practices of other countries and regions to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to individuals below a certain age.
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