Health Ministry promotes 100% smoke-free environments to curb tobacco use

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health, with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), is advancing efforts to strengthen policies that promote 100% smoke-free environments and reduce exposure to tobacco and electronic cigarette emissions.

A PAHO/WHO technical mission, taking place from July 27 to 30, is providing assistance to help implement measures that protect the public’s right to breathe clean air and expand smoke-free spaces nationwide.

As part of the initiative, the ministry hosted the “No Filter: Youth, Tobacco and Reality” forum, bringing together youth organizations, public institutions, and international partners to raise awareness about the health risks of tobacco, nicotine, and vaping products, while encouraging young people to take an active role in prevention.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah said young people should play a leading role in shaping public health policies and warned that tobacco and emerging nicotine products continue to be aggressively marketed to adolescents despite growing evidence of their health risks.

Officials emphasized that 100% smoke-free environments include all enclosed public spaces, such as schools, universities, healthcare facilities, offices, workplaces, and public transportation. They noted that designated smoking areas or ventilation systems do not eliminate the dangers of secondhand smoke or emissions from electronic cigarettes.

The ministry highlighted international evidence showing that smoke-free laws have reduced heart attacks, cardiovascular deaths, and youth smoking rates in countries such as Guatemala, Chile, and Uruguay, while having little or no negative impact on tourism or the hospitality industry.

According to health authorities, about 10% of adults in the Dominican Republic smoke, while an estimated 6% to 8% of adolescents aged 13 to 15 use conventional or electronic cigarettes. Globally, tobacco is responsible for more than 8 million deaths each year, including approximately 1.3 million caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.