The Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, HSE Health and Wellbeing, hosted a conference to mark World No Tobacco Day on the 31st May 2022. This conference, Tobacco Endgame: Nobody Left Behind explored the key elements and strategies for a Tobacco Free Ireland. Over 170 delegates from across the HSE, local authorities, community, voluntary groups and private industry gathered at the Aviva stadium to learn how tobacco control continues to evolve in Ireland.
Take home messages from the conference included:
- Recent trends underscore the need for continuing efforts to build a Tobacco Free Ireland.
- Smoking still causes over 4,500 deaths each year.
- There is a widening gap in smoking prevalence across socio-economic groups which means that the burden of smoking-related harms falls heaviest on most the vulnerable in society.
- 75% of public support the goal of ending the harm caused by smoking in Ireland completely (support varies for different Tobacco Endgame tactics).
- An Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the conference and emphasised the importance of “Leaving No One Behind” as we move towards a Tobacco Free Ireland.
The Tobacco Free Ireland Programme used this conference platform to publish a new Programme Plan (2022-2025) setting out actions across the health service to tackle the harm caused by smoking at a conference on how to end tobacco related harm. An accompanying State of Tobacco Control Report (2022) examines recent trends in smoking in Ireland, tracks progress and highlights emerging challenges. Also launched at the conference is the first Tobacco Endgame study of public views on potential proposals which could help deliver the goal of a Tobacco Free Ireland.
To view all of the conference presentations on YouTube click HERE.