Skopje, 24 January 2026 (MIA) - The new draft Law on Protection Against Smoking provides measures to raise public awareness and support quitting addiction. The message we are sending is that the system helps smokers to quit without stigmatizing them, explained Minister of Health Azir Aliu.

He further noted that the draft law includes legal requirements for carrying out preventive smoking cessation programs, providing counseling and education, and offering comprehensive support during the process of quitting this addiction.

“Nicotine addiction represents a medical and public health issue. Studies show that prevention is both more effective and less expensive than treatment, making the main aim of this law the prevention of smoking’s harmful effects rather than imposing fines,” Aliu pointed out.

At the same time, he said, the law clearly defines the responsible inspections, the penalties for non-compliance, as well as the role of local authorities in enforcing the law.

Photo: MIA archive