At 13.3%, Singapore has one of the lowest adult smoking rates in the world, thanks to forty years of tobacco control measures. But Singapore still needs to keep up the vigilance on tobacco control measures despite these low rates, says A/Prof Joanne Yoong from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
From the social cost and healthcare savings from smoking to the introduction of new tobacco products which are less well-regulated, our preventive efforts and policy responses need to constantly adapt to curb tobacco use.
A/Prof Yoong also points out that smoking also negatively affects many other aspects – the health of the smokers’ families, household pockets and productivity at work.
Media Coverage:
- Why Singapore Still Needs Tobacco Control Measures, The Straits Times, 3 June 2015