In recent years, Albania has seen a remarkable shift in public health behavior: fewer Albanians are smoking than ever before. According to experts from the Institute of Public Health (ISHP), the number of smokers has been steadily decreasing over the last two decades — a positive trend that signals growing awareness of the dangers of tobacco use.
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A Two-Decade Decline in Smoking Rates
Health specialists from ISHP have confirmed that the data clearly show a downward trend in tobacco consumption in Albania. Dr. Alban Ylli, a public health expert at ISHP, emphasized that this reduction reflects both improved education and a growing understanding among citizens of the health risks associated with smoking.
“Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, and many other serious conditions. It remains a major factor behind poor health in Albania,” Dr. Ylli stated. “Lung cancer — the main cancer directly linked to smoking — is four times more common in men than in women, exactly matching the difference in smoking rates between the two genders.”
This correlation highlights a significant gender gap in smoking habits. While men continue to smoke far more frequently than women, the overall decline suggests that public health campaigns and awareness efforts are having an impact.
Public Health Policies: Strong on Paper, Weaker in Practice
Despite these positive developments, experts warn that Albania still faces challenges in fully enforcing anti-smoking laws. Reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) describe Albania as a country with “well-designed tobacco control policies”, but one where implementation remains inconsistent.
“There are still problems with enforcement — such as smoking in public spaces, the sale of cigarettes to minors, and the relatively low cost of tobacco products,” Dr. Ylli explained.
This means that while Albania has adopted progressive anti-smoking legislation — including bans on smoking in indoor public areas and restrictions on tobacco advertising — the lack of strict enforcement limits its effectiveness.
Low Female Smoking Rates, but Regional Concerns Persist
One notable finding in Albania’s smoking profile is the relatively low rate of smoking among women. Compared to other European countries, Albanian women are less likely to smoke — a statistic that has remained stable for years.
However, according to the latest WHO European Region report, Europe as a whole remains the world’s leading region for tobacco consumption among women. This is an alarming trend, as it signals potential increases in smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, cardiovascular problems, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among female populations in the coming decades.
Public health experts stress that Albania must not be complacent. As living standards rise and cultural barriers shift, tobacco companies may increasingly target women and youth as new consumer groups — a pattern observed in several neighboring countries.
The Challenge Ahead: Protecting Youth from Addiction
A key priority for Albania’s tobacco control strategy is preventing young people from starting to smoke. Teenagers and young adults remain particularly vulnerable to peer pressure, marketing, and misinformation about smoking’s effects.
Health specialists are now calling for renewed efforts to strengthen educational programs in schools and universities, emphasizing the long-term consequences of smoking — from respiratory diseases to reduced fertility and premature death.
“We encourage young people to stay away from cigarettes and nicotine in all forms,” said Dr. Ylli. “Quitting smoking is difficult, but starting is even more dangerous because it creates lifelong dependency. Prevention is the best protection.”
The Economic Factor: Cheap Cigarettes Still a Problem
While Albania’s tobacco taxes have increased over the years, cigarettes remain relatively affordable compared to Western Europe. Experts warn that low tobacco prices continue to make it easier for smokers — especially those with lower incomes — to maintain the habit.
According to WHO recommendations, raising tobacco taxes is one of the most effective tools to reduce smoking rates. Each price increase discourages new smokers and encourages existing ones to quit. Albania’s government has pledged to gradually raise tobacco excise taxes to meet EU standards, but progress remains slow.
A Healthier Future Within Reach
The fall in smoking rates marks a hopeful shift in Albania’s public health landscape. Increased awareness, improved education, and strong advocacy by institutions like ISHP and WHO have clearly begun to reshape attitudes toward smoking.
Still, as Dr. Ylli and other experts remind, sustained effort is crucial. Effective enforcement of anti-smoking laws, higher taxes, and continuous public education are key to ensuring that the next generation of Albanians grows up free from nicotine addiction.
If Albania continues on this trajectory, it could become one of the Balkan success stories in tobacco control — improving life expectancy, reducing cancer rates, and easing the burden on its healthcare system.
The message is clear: quitting smoking saves lives, and the time to quit — or never start — is now.