WHO: Number of smokers decreasing in Uzbekistan

According to the report, about 22% smokers in Uzbekistan were male and 3% - female in 2011 compared to 30% of male and 5% of female in 2002.

At the same time, according to the WHO estimates, the level of smokers among teenagers was 2.4% among male and 1.2% among women. It is worth to mention that Uzbekistan has one of the lowest figures on number of smokers in the region.

Uzbekistan became the 175th country, which jointed the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a law “On accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (Geneva, 21 May 2003)” on 24 April 2012.

The law was passed by the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan on 6 March 2012 and approved by Senate on 23 March 2012.

The document was developed to execute action plan of the Cabinet of Ministers on implementation of the law “On limiting distribution and consumption of alcohol and tobacco products”.

The Framework Convention is aimed at protecting current and future generations from destructive social, ecological and economic consequences, caused by tobacco consumption and tobacco smoke through ensuring corresponding framework for fighting tobacco.

In line with the article 5 of the convention, the member states of the document develop, introduce, update and review national strategy, plans and programmes against tobacco.

Majority clauses of the convention are reflected in legislation of Uzbekistan and accession of the country to the Convention will not require any changes and amendments to the law or any financial or property liabilities.