National No Tobacco Day Highlights Tobacco Industry Tactics Targeting Youth
2 min read
YEREVAN, Armenia – On October 12, Armenia celebrated National No Tobacco Day with the theme “Smoking is Not Cool.” The event was organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia in partnership with the Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (CHS) at the American University of Armenia (AUA), the World Health Organization Country Office in Armenia, the National Institute of Health named after academician S. Avdalbekyan, and the BIL Armenia Healthcare Students’ Association. The objective was to raise awareness about the alarming tactics the tobacco industry uses to target young people.
CHS played a pivotal role in the event, showcasing research findings presented by CHS Research Associates Varduhi Hayrumyan (MPH ’16) and Zhanna Sargsyan (MPH ’18). Their study, titled “Investigation and countering of tobacco industry’s interference with tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship ban at the point-of-sale in Armenia” and funded by Vital Strategies on behalf of Bloomberg Philanthropies, exposed how tobacco companies circumvent Armenia’s advertising and promotion bans, particularly in targeting youth at points of sale.
In a survey of 132 points of sale in Yerevan and Kotayk marz, researchers found that tobacco products were often openly displayed, even in the absence of customers: 45% for cigarettes, 29% for e-cigarettes, and 26% for heated tobacco products. E-cigarettes were prominently displayed in attractive packaging and with a range of available flavors. In the majority of observed points of sale, there was direct or indirect advertising of tobacco products, such as electronically illuminated advertisements and printed signage. Sometimes, these advertisements were placed at children’s eye level. Some instances of product promotions were observed, such as price discounts, free product offers, and gifts. Over half of the locations lacked clear or visible signage prohibiting tobacco sales to minors.
The researchers developed a video based on their study findings, showcasing key insights regarding tobacco industry tactics. This video was premiered during the event, allowing viewers to engage with the research outcomes in an informative and visual format.
During the event, attendees enjoyed performances by two bands and participated in a fitness class promoting a healthier lifestyle. Volunteers actively engaged with attendees by offering healthy snacks in exchange for tobacco products and distributing the fact sheets developed by CHS based on the study findings, targeting both youth and the general population to inform them about the tobacco industry’s tactics and the associated health risks.
This year’s National No Tobacco Day called for stronger enforcement of Armenia’s tobacco control laws and for collective action to prevent the tobacco industry from reaching and influencing young consumers. Clearly communicating that “smoking is not cool,” the event underscored the importance of continued efforts to educate and protect youth from the deadly consequences of tobacco use and tobacco industry interference.
The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.
