Kazakhstan has been a regional leader in tobacco control — WHO Representative on shisha regulation and public health
October 01, 2025 by qazinform.com
Kazakhstan has been a regional leader in tobacco control — WHO Representative on shisha regulation and public health
The World Health Organization supports Kazakhstan's ban on shisha smoking in public places due to health risks. Shisha smoke contains harmful substances and poses dangers to users and passive smokers. The misconception that shisha is safer than cigarettes is refuted by evidence showing its links to cancer and other diseases. WHO recommends upholding the ban to protect public health, especially with the popularity of shisha among the youth. Despite economic claims, tobacco-related diseases outweigh short-term gains. Media and civil society are crucial in raising awareness, and WHO provides scientific guidance on waterpipe smoking's health effects. Kazakhstan's tobacco control efforts align with WHO standards, emphasizing public health over commercial interests.
20.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.9 million current smokers in Kazakhstan 34.60% of men are current smokers but only 6.70% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
